Vinnie Jones has had conflicts with bird enthusiasts regarding his proposal to construct a high-end shooting facility on his 2,000-acre farm...
Vinnie Jones has had conflicts with bird enthusiasts regarding his proposal to construct a high-end shooting facility on his 2,000-acre farm.
The actor and ex-Wimbledon player, aged 60, aims to transform three unused buildings at his Blackwool Farm in Petworth, West Sussex, into seven 'private custom-made lodgings' for visitors who wish to partake in rural sports activities.
Jones aims to "provide a pleasant experience for his visitors," which would involve en suite bathrooms, as stated in planning documents submitted to the South Downs National Park.
However, the Sussex Wildlife Trust states it is 'deeply worried' that a rise in game bird shooting would harm wildlife in the region, and also expressed worries regarding a dead owl discovered in one of the 'upgraded' barns.
Conservation officer Helen Davies stated that the trust is 'worried that the planned development could cause disruption to several species, especially the nesting Barn Owls, throughout the construction phase and the suggested continuous use by as many as 14 clients, along with regular visits from caterers, cleaners, and other service providers'.
She mentioned that providing alternative nest sites 30 days before the project's commencement was probably insufficient, as "it may take a year or more for Barn Owls to locate and utilize new nesting areas."
Ms Davies stated: 'We are also worried about the increase in "athletic activities" in the region.'
While game shooting is referred to as an ongoing activity, managed by a local group, there is no information provided regarding its extent.
The trust's objection was characterized by Douglas Briggs, Jones' architect, as "influenced by numerous incorrect assumptions and errors."
Mr. Briggs stated, "We acknowledge that the worries raised by the Sussex Wildlife Trust have been influenced by many incorrect and deceptive beliefs."
He also rejected the idea of a game shooting club being included in the plans, labeling the trust's 'assumption' as 'false and deceptive'.
Mr. Briggs claimed that an expert in barn owls, who worked for Jones, had already examined the location and indicated that Ms. Davies had 'not thoroughly reviewed the proposal documents' before composing her letter.
He mentioned that the trust's statement regarding the discovery of a deceased owl was "an unhelpful distortion that seems to be attempting to connect maintenance activities at barns with the abandonment and death of barn owls."
A person close to Jones revealedThe TelegraphAny claims that protected species such as barn owls will be affected are entirely deceptive.
Local resident Jenny Wickham stated that the farm and property were not appropriate "for such a development."
In her protest, she stated: "The additional activity, noise, and traffic caused by visitors and staff at the planned lodging will destroy the tranquility and silence of the surrounding area."
Not suitable for the environment or for people who come to the area to experience its calm and serenity.
Chris Jones, who resides in the same region, stated that the proposals are 'completely unsuitable for a modest rural farm'.
"It would significantly affect the existing rich variety of wildlife. Additionally, the local community would face negative consequences," he stated.
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