YouTube personalities Zoe Sugg, known as Zoella, and Alfie Deyes have received approval from the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) to develop a five-acre field adjacent to their West Sussex home into a donkey sanctuary. The approval came with a stipulation that archaeological investigations must be conducted before any groundwork can commence, due to potential Roman, Anglo-Saxon, or prehistoric remains.
The couple, who have resided in the area for nine years, purchased the field last year, citing a desire to protect their view and preserve the open space that is frequently used by the public for walking. Their application, submitted in May, included proposals for animal enclosures, stables, three shepherd huts, and a pond.
MSDC's archaeological adviser had previously recommended that no development proceed until a program of archaeological monitoring was approved, following discoveries from an earlier excavation across the road that unearthed Roman-period artifacts. Local residents also expressed concerns regarding the visual impact on the surrounding landscape, potential increases in traffic, and restricted access to nearby bridleways and public footpaths. Some residents noted the recent installation of gates and fences at the site.
In a statement posted on a gate at the site, Sugg and Deyes expressed their long-standing concern about the field being developed for housing and stated their satisfaction with securing the land. They encouraged local residents who supported their project to leave positive comments on the council's planning website to aid approval. The planning meeting on Friday saw the council ultimately approve the application, pending the necessary archaeological assessments.