A Nottinghamshire lionkeeper whose plans for an animal sanctuary were turned down says he has been approached by other interested councils. Reece Oliver, who rescues and keeps lions privately in Strelley, applied to build a 10-hectare wildlife park with 27 guest cabins near Trowell.
The application, which also included a restaurant and a spa, said the development would have been a world-class facility which would do the “same for Trowell as Chester Zoo did for Chester”. Mr Oliver said the council had “no vision”, and he may take the attraction to another authority area.“I am disappointed and frankly surprised by council,” he said, speaking from his farm where he keeps four lions, 27 monkeys, a puma and a tapir.
On whether he would take the plans to another area, he said: “We will see what happens. I want to help more animals and can’t do it here in Strelley any more.” He told the planning committee on March 13: “The benefit environmentally, economically and socially is huge.” Councillors and residents expressed concern over whether the location was suitable for the attraction. Rodger Gray told the meeting the existing land is important for residents of Trowell so they can “escape the constant presence” of noise and pollution of the M1.