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Plans for exotic animal sanctuary rejected

BBC Reece Oliver and a lionBBC
Councillors were told the facility would have been home to lions, hippos and giraffes

Plans to build a 10-hectare animal sanctuary alongside a spa and restaurant have been rejected by a council.

The wildlife retreat in Trowell, Nottinghamshire, would have kept lions, hippos and giraffes.

Broxtowe Borough Council rejected the plans on five different grounds, including building in the green belt.

Applicant Reece Oliver, who keeps lions, pumas and tapirs at his farm in Strelley, previously said the sanctuary would "improve lives".

Mr Oliver claimed to have searched more than 200 sites before choosing the land next to The Forge, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

He told the council's planning committee on Wednesday: "Animals are my life – I have rescued hundreds, and it pains me I don't have the finances to do more.

"The sanctuary will improve the lives of its animal residents and the local people, with 60 new jobs created and many more indirectly."

Reece Oliver cuddling his puma
Reece Oliver also owns an animal facility in Strelley where he houses a puma, lions, kangaroos and monkeys

Councillor Lydia Ball, who represents Trowell, said: "The land isn't big enough for what they want to do – it's not the right place for an animal sanctuary of that size.

"It's a very built-up area. This piece of precious open land should remain as it is."

The planning committee concluded the facility would also be detrimental to the area's character.

Other concerns included the risk of flooding, building too far away from town centres when alternatives are available, and a loss of biodiversity.

The final vote was nine for rejection to two against.

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