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A couple have been left \u2018flabbergasted\u2019 after a large agricultural building was unexpectedly erected a few metres from their house, reports the BBC.<\/h3>\nA couple have been left \u2018flabbergasted\u2019 after a large agricultural building was unexpectedly erected a few metres from their house, reports the BBC.<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The BBC writes:<\/p>\n
Dave and Di Jesinger said their home in West Wellow, Hampshire, previously had views of an empty field before the structure was built.<\/p>\n
The New Forest National Park Authority said the building was allowed under permitted development rules.<\/p>\n
Owners of the land in the New Forest National Park have not commented.<\/p>\n
The couple’s neighbours struck a deal with a nearby farm to build the metal barn-like structure.<\/p>\n
Mr Jesinger, who bought his house with his wife in 1971, said the only warning he had of the plans was when his neighbour called the night before construction began in May.<\/p>\n
“We were absolutely flabbergasted, shocked, desolate,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We now live with the blinds and curtains closed because we can’t bear to look.<\/p>\n
“We have known [our neighbours] for over 30 years, we consider them our friends\u2026 no one knows why they’ve done it and they’re not saying.”<\/p>\n
He said the planning authority, despite being technically allowed to approve the building without consultation, could have exercised its discretion to put up warning notices or suggest an alternative location.<\/p>\n
“I feel it is totally inappropriate that in a national park you can put up a barn of this size and appearance close to a house without there being any consultation whatsoever,” Mrs Jesinger added.<\/p>\n
Steve Avery, the New Forest National Park planning executive director, said: “We understand the concerns of residents but planning legislation allows landowners to erect farm buildings without planning permission (known as permitted development rights) subject to them following a prior notification procedure.”<\/p>\n
He said farms are not allowed to put up structures within 400 metres of houses under these rules if the building is intended for livestock – but this structure will not contain animals.<\/p>\n
“It is nonetheless very unfortunate that the land owner chose to site this building so close to someone’s home,” he accepted.<\/p>\n