West Wellow couple 'shocked' by unexpected new farm building

The new agricultural building was erected within metres of Dave and Di Jesinger's property in West Wellow

BBC Barn next to house in West Wellow — The new agricultural building was erected within metres of Dave and Di Jesinger's property in West Wellow

A couple have been left "flabbergasted" after a large agricultural building was unexpectedly erected a few metres from their house.

Dave and Di Jesinger said their home in West Wellow, Hampshire, previously had views of an empty field before the structure was built.

The New Forest National Park Authority said the building was allowed under permitted development rules.

Owners of the land in the New Forest National Park have not commented.

The couple's living room looked out onto an empty field before the building was erected

Dave Jesinger The living room view before the building was erected — The couple's living room looked out onto an empty field before the building was erected

The room now looks out directly onto the new building

Dave Jesinger The living room view after the building was erected — The room now looks out directly onto the new building

The couple's neighbours struck a deal with a nearby farm to build the metal barn-like structure.

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.

"We were absolutely flabbergasted, shocked, desolate," he said.

"We now live with the blinds and curtains closed because we can't bear to look.

"We have known [our neighbours] for over 30 years, we consider them our friends… no one knows why they've done it and they're not saying."

Dave Jesinger said he was "flabbergasted" that the building had been allowed to be built so close to his home

Dave Jesinger said he was "flabbergasted" that the building had been allowed to be built so close to his home

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.

"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.

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."

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.

"It is nonetheless very unfortunate that the land owner chose to site this building so close to someone's home," he accepted.