A mother of two, Storm Tapp-Grant, 33, has been taken to court by Aster housing association over a pet rabbit and a vegetable patch she maintained in a shared garden.
Ms. Tapp-Grant kept her rabbit, Nibbles, in a hutch on the communal plot outside her Southampton, Hampshire flat. The garden also featured a vegetable patch where her children, Everest, 6, and Arizona, 2, could learn about growing food. The family has resided in the flat since 2021, and they established the garden and rabbit hutch approximately two years ago.
Nibbles was a gift to Ms. Tapp-Grant's daughter Everest from her late grandfather. Everest expressed sadness at the prospect of losing the pet, stating, "If they took her away, I would be so so sad, I wouldn't even bother coming into the garden. Don't take Nibbles away, she's my pet, not yours."
Ms. Tapp-Grant described feeling "ambushed" when Aster housing association initiated legal proceedings, taking her to Southampton County Court on June 18. She stated she felt "powerless and scared" and that her concerns were not heard. The family had been growing vegetables such as lettuce, runner beans, cabbages, carrots, parsnips, and sunflowers in the patch.
Aster housing association has since secured an injunction requiring Ms. Tapp-Grant to remove Nibbles, the raised beds for the vegetable patch, and any decking from the communal garden within 14 days. A spokesperson for Aster confirmed that they had previously asked Ms. Tapp-Grant to remove the items in accordance with her tenancy agreement. The association stated that the dispute had been ongoing informally for a significant period before legal action was taken.
"We understand how important it is for our customers to enjoy their homes and shared spaces, and we always aim to balance individual needs with those of the wider community," an Aster spokesperson said. "We were made aware of concerns about a rabbit, hutch, decking and raised beds installed on communal land without the required permission. Other customers have raised concerns including about the animal's welfare."
The spokesperson added that "Despite our efforts, the customer has refused to remove the items, so we had to take the difficult decision to pursue legal action." The court has ordered the removal of the items, and Aster is reportedly working with the family to explore options for keeping the rabbit inside their home, provided it aligns with their tenancy agreement and is appropriate. The housing association emphasized its commitment to ensuring communal areas remain safe, accessible, and are shared fairly among all residents.