YouTube personalities Zoe Sugg, known as Zoella, and her fiancé Alfie Deyes are facing opposition from local residents and heritage groups over proposed developments on their property in West Sussex. The couple, both early figures in the video blogging community and parents of two young children, have submitted plans for a variety of structures and features on land adjacent to their home, including a tractor parking area, a donkey enclosure and stable, three shepherd huts, and a wildlife pond.

The proposals have sparked concern among neighbours and the Hurstpierpoint Society, which has formally objected to the application. The society characterized the shepherd huts as disproportionate and out of place within the local landscape, describing them as “excessive and inappropriate.” It also noted that much of the development is already in situ, meaning any permission granted would effectively be retrospective.

Additionally, the Hurstpierpoint Society contested claims made in the application that no significant tree clearance had occurred. According to its statement, several trees and saplings were removed to facilitate the construction and landscaping efforts, a factor contributing to the objection. The society urged that at least some of the huts be removed to render the overall plan acceptable to the community.

Efforts to obtain comment from Zoella’s representatives were unsuccessful as of the time of this report. The planning decision remains pending as local authorities consider the implications of the application amid divided public opinion.