YouTube star Zoella and her fiancé Alfie Deyes have won permission to build a donkey sanctuary near their West Sussex home, but local residents have raised concerns over the plans.
Approval granted for equine refuge
Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) has deemed it acceptable for the couple to build the sanctuary in the grounds of a five-acre field they own beside their house in Hassocks, near Brighton. The 36-year-old, whose real name is Zoe Sugg, and her 32-year-old fiancé have been in a relationship since 2012 and moved to their £1 million home in 2015. They live there with their two children, Ottilie, four, and Novie, two.
Local objections over history and gates
The plans have reportedly angered residents for several reasons. The couple had been warned that their plans could uncover a potential Roman, Anglo-Saxon or even prehistoric burial ground, which could be deemed more significant for local history. Others have declared that there is not enough interest in donkeys to warrant the plans getting the green light.
One local, who did not want to be named, complained about the gates: "We also don't like the gates and would rather they were not there. Once you have gates up, it's not the same. There are paths and bridal ways all around here, and people use them for walks all the time."
A note on the gate, reportedly drafted by Zoella and her fiancé, explains their reasons for buying the field: "We've lived here for nine years with our garden backing onto this field, and we have always worried about it one day being developed into new houses. After many years of trying to purchase it, last year we managed to do so. This means not only is the view from our house and many others nearby protected, it also helps keep this area the lovely walking spot it is for so many people each day."
The message concludes: "If you live in this area and are also keen to keep as much green space thriving as possible, please head over to the council's planning website and leave a positive comment to help encourage the approval of other projects like ours - thank you."
Further concerns and family news
The Sun has uncovered more anger over the plans, with a local telling the publication: "Nobody is bothered about the donkeys – we’ve all seen them before." Others expressed concern that the planning permission could be utilised by future owners of the land, should the YouTube stars move on, and then build more property on the grounds.
Meanwhile, there have been happy times for the wider Sugg-Deyes family as Zoella's brother Joe Sugg became a first-time father earlier this year. The YouTuber and his long-term partner, Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell, welcomed a son in March. The couple named their son Bowden Mark Richard Sugg, and explained he will be nicknamed Bowie. Proud aunt Zoella has featured in photos that have appeared online showing her relaxing with her nephew. The Mirror has contacted the couple's representatives for comment.
