A famous YouTube couple have been allowed to build a donkey sanctuary behind their West Sussex home.
Earlier this year, Zoella – real name Zoe Sugg – and her fiancé Alfie Deyes applied for permission to develop a five-acre field they had bought next to their property near Hassocks.
They were warned by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) that there could be potential Roman, Anglo-Saxon or even prehistoric remains buried there.
MSDC approved their application at a planning meeting on Friday, having recommended that work cannot begin until archaeologists conduct an investigation.
Zoella, 36, who made her name with make-up videos before moving on to books and her own range of products, applied for planning back in May.
Included were proposals to create an enclosure for the animals, stables, three shepherd huts, parking for tractors and a pond.
However, an earlier excavation across the road had uncovered items from the Roman period, with MSDC’s archaeological adviser previously stipulating that no groundwork should take place until a programme of archaeological monitoring was approved.
Locals also voiced concerns about how the development might impact the views of the surrounding area, increase traffic and impede access to nearby bridleways and public footpaths.
They complained that a gate and fences have already gone up at the site.
“We also don’t like the gates and would rather they were not there,” said one resident, who did not want to be named.
“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.”
On the gate is a poster from Sugg and Deynes which reads: “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.
“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.”
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