New Forest ponies could block shop build

PLANNING applications are often met with weird and wonderful objections from locals who will stop at nothing to block developments.

But a proposal to build a small village shop in the New Forest might have inspired the most creative protestation yet – that its customers would be attacked by ponies.

The application to build the store in East Boldre, in the New Forest National Park, where ponies roam free, has been backed by around 100 villagers. But one group has said the proposal is “potentially fraught with danger”.

The Verderers of the New Forest, who are responsible for protecting the area’s agricultural heritage, warned that the ponies would become “aggressive” because they associate carrier bags with food. As such, they claim customers will be attacked.

In his opposition letter to the application, Lord Willie Manners, the Official Verderer, said: “It is very unusual for a building of this nature to be located on the open forest. We are very concerned that the interaction between shop customers and the ponies is potentially fraught with danger.”

Ian Evans, the long-time owner the current village shop, told The Telegraph the objection was “the biggest load of rubbish” he had ever heard.

He said the proposed new shop was just 100 yards from the site of his own community shop and post office that he has run since 2001. Mr Evans has reluctantly decided to close his shop due to a steady drop in trade.

A village hall committee proposed the new “community hub”. A decision is expected by the end of the month.