Vinnie Jones' plans to build a country sports retreat on his West Sussex estate have hit a snag, as wildlife experts raise concerns over protected barn owls. The actor and former Premier League footballer hopes to convert farm buildings into accommodation for shooting events, but the Sussex Wildlife Trust has objected, citing potential disturbance to nesting barn owls under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
A trust official stated: “We are concerned that the proposed development would result in disturbance to many of these species, primarily the nesting Barn Owls, both during construction and the proposed year-round occupation by up to 14 clients, with daily visits by caterers, cleaners and other services.” Neighbours have also voiced opposition, with one describing the plans as “totally inappropriate for such a rural site.”
Douglas Briggs, representing Jones' architecture firm, argued that the trust's assessment was based on “false assumptions and fear-mongering.” He noted that an independent barn owl expert had already surveyed the site and advised on mitigation measures. However, a conservation officer at the trust countered: “We consider that the mitigation measures proposed fall very short of protecting this Barn Owl population.”
Jones, 60, has previously described himself as “a British conservationist” and starred in the Disney+ show Vinnie Jones in the Country. In 2017, he spoke of his childhood passion for shooting, saying: “My perfect day would be to get up early, get to the hideout, shoot pigeons all day, bagging 200, then go lamping all night and get half a dozen foxes.” The South Downs National Park Authority will decide on the plans in due course.
