Lion keeper ‘disappointed and surprised’ plans for animal sanctuary have been rejected
HE SAYS OTHER COUNCILS HAVE CONTACTED HIM ABOUT HOSTING THE ‘WORLD-CLASS’ FACILITY
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE lion keeper whose plans for an animal sanctuary were turned down says he has been approached by other councils.
Reece Oliver, who rescues and keeps lions privately in Strelley, applied to build a 10-hectare wildlife park with 27 guest cabins near Trowell.
However, the application was rejected by Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee last week due to concerns about its green belt location, flooding and natural impact.
Protesters hailed it as a “victory for local nature”.
The application, which also included a restaurant and a spa, said the development would have been a world-class facility which would do the “same for Trowell as Chester Zoo did for Chester”.
Mr Oliver said the council had “no vision”, and that he may take the attraction to another area.
“I am disappointed and frankly surprised by the council,” he said, speaking from his farm where he keeps four lions, 27 monkeys, a puma and a tapir.
“Two or three councils – both local and across the UK – have contacted us. They can see the economic benefit.
“We will resubmit the plan, possibly a revised scheme. We have the land for a few years so we can keep going.”
On whether he would take the plans to another area, he said: “We will see what happens. I want to help more animals and can’t do it here in Strelley any more.”
He told the planning committee on March 13: “The benefit environmentally, economically and socially is huge.”
The borough council said the plans were considered in line with planning policies and law.
The facility was planned for a former industrial area on Ilkeston Road known as the Forge, which has been returned to nature.
Councillors and residents expressed concern over whether the location was suitable for the attraction.
Rodger Gray told the meeting the existing land was important for residents of Trowell so they can “escape the constant presence” of noise and pollution of the M1.
“It’s a green lung that takes walkers away from today’s hectic life,” he said.
“There’s beauty in the form of green, verdant pasture land, which is also home to a plethora of nature such as badgers, foxes, bees, butterflies and owls.”
Councillor Stephen Carr (Ind) was one of two members to vote in favour, saying: “I suspect a neighbouring authority like Erewash or Amber Valley would welcome an investment like this.”
The application was rejected on five grounds – building in the green belt; detriment to the area’s character; building in higher risk flood zones; building too far away from town centres when alternatives are available; and a loss of biodiversity.