YouTube millionaire Zoe Sugg has become embroiled in a bitter countryside row after creating a new home for two donkeys behind her £2million Sussex mansion without planning permission.
The influencer, better known as Zoella, has rankled some of her well-heeled neighbours after three shepherd’s huts, fencing and gates were installed on a five-acre agricultural plot in the affluent village of Hassocks.
Work on the project – which includes a stable built for Zoe’s adopted animals and new access points to the field – started without planning permission being sought from the local council.
Objectors have now accused the social media star of failing to consult them over her plans and claim the development is harming the ‘character and charm of the area’.
Details of the dispute have emerged in a belated planning application now submitted to Mid Sussex District Council by Zoe, 36, and her YouTuber fiancé Alfie Deyes, 32,
The vlogging power couple are seeking the green light for a secure enclosure covering almost 3,000 square metres, located near their seven-bedroom mansion, where the ‘two local donkeys’ would be able to graze.
Their proposals also include a timber stable, a tractor parking area, a wildlife pond, and three shepherd’s huts.
But the scheme has infuriated some residents, who argue that substantial elements of the development were already in place before planning consent was sought.
YouTube power couple Alfie Deyes and Zoe Sugg – better known as Zoella – have become embroiled in a bitter planning row
One resident called on Mid Sussex District Council to reject what they described as an ‘unjustified and harmful development within the countryside’.
Some of the strongest criticism has come from local heritage group, the Hurstpierpoint Society.
It accused Zoe and Alfie of installing much of the proposed development before obtaining formal planning permission.
In its objection, the group said: ‘It is a matter of considerable regret that MSDC [Mid Sussex District Council] are presented with a fait accompli, as much of the proposed development is already in place.
‘Thus, many elements of the application are retrospective. It is also very unfortunate that there has not apparently been any consultation with the residents who live on this quiet country lane.’
The society added: ‘The character and the charm of the area have, however been changed with the fencing and gates both now already installed.
‘The “huts” seem to be already on site and although interesting and somewhat ‘antique’, they look totally incongruous in this setting.’
Zoe and Alfie say that two of the shepherd’s huts would be used to store animal feed, bedding, tools and beekeeping equipment.
She has installed three shepherd’s huts on a five-acre agricultural plot in the affluent village of Hassocks
Those objecting Zoella’s new donkey home have said the new gates, which serve as access points to the field, on a single-track lane are a safety concern
Work on the project – which includes a stable built for Zoe’s adopted animals and new access points to the field – started without planning permission being sought from the local council
Fencing for the new grazing paddock for Zoe’s adopted donkeys
A third hut would be used by them to rest or shelter while tending to the donkeys, according to the application.
The couple insist they have no intention to let out the shepherd’s huts as holiday or guest accommodation.
But one objector argued that there was ‘plenty of space for all three shepherd huts’ in the YouTubers vast garden and therefore ‘no justification or need for the shepherd hut to be positioned in the open countryside’.
Another neighbour claimed the project was having an ‘urbanising effect on this undeveloped field’.
Residents have also raised concerns over access points to the donkeys’ field from a single-track lane near the couple’s millionaire’s row home.
One warned of an ‘increased potential for conflict between vehicles and pedestrians and horses’, while another said: ‘The risk of a serious conflict or accident is materially increased’.
The couple’s application says the project was prompted by an ‘immediate requirement’ to provide a permanent and secure home for ‘two local donkeys’.
However, the dispute has divided the picturesque village, with other residents leaping to the couple’s defence.
One supporter said the pair had rescued an ‘unsightly’ piece of land, created a safe home for the animals and protected the field from the prospect of future housing.
Zoe and Alfie moved into their sprawling £1.7million home in Hove
The influencer couple frequently give their followers a glimpse inside their sprawling home
The home features a massive garden, which some objectors claim is enough room for the shepherd huts
Zoe with her and Alfie’s children, daughters Ottilie and Novie
The girls playing in the garden on a sunny day
Another backer told the council: ‘The donkey enclosure, stable, tractor parking, shepherd huts and wildlife pond all seem proportionate and in keeping with the rural character of the area.
‘The wildlife pond in particular would be an extremely positive addition for local wildlife.’
A consultation on the planning application is set to close next month and a final decision is expected later in summer.
Zoe became one of Britain’s first generation of major internet celebrities after launching her Zoella beauty and lifestyle brand.
She initially found an audience through blogging before turning to YouTube, where her videos documenting beauty products, shopping trips, house moves and her personal life attracted millions of viewers.
At the peak of her online fame, she was one of the country’s most recognisable influencers and transformed her following into a multimillion-pound business empire.
She began dating Alfie in 2012 after he found success through his own YouTube channel, PointlessBlog.
The pair soon became one of the best-known couples to emerge from Britain’s vlogging boom, building a combined following of more than 20million subscribers.
They became engaged in September 2023 after more than a decade together and have two daughters, Ottilie and Novie.
For years, fans followed almost every major stage of their relationship, including their house moves, pregnancies and family celebrations.
However, the couple have gradually reduced their online output and become increasingly protective of their private family life.
They purchased their Sussex house in 2017 for £1.6m. The residence features four bathrooms, five reception rooms and a sprawling landscaped garden.
