Egyptian farmer's alpaca shelter plan creates stir in million-pound village
A small-scale farmer faces opposition from wealthy village residents over his plans to build shelter for pregnant alpacas. Local community splits over rural development impact in Hampshire countryside
In a quiet Hampshire hamlet near Brimpton Common (where houses cost about a million pounds) a heated dispute has emerged over a simple barn construction project
Hesham Fada‚ a 60-year old property manager from Egypt wants to build a mid-sized barn for his farm animals – but local residents dont agree with his plan. The steel-framed wood-covered structure would take up 300sqm of his two-and-a-quarter acre plot: which currently houses various farm animals
The main issue centers around two pregnant alpacas who need winter protection. Fada has other animals on his retirement project farm including:
- 8 goats
- 1 sheep
- Several chickens and turkeys
- Plans for 50 more chickens
- Future home for 20 ostriches
Since Jan 2024‚ the landowner has waited for planning permission from Basingstoke and Deane council – a process thats taken much longer than expected. “I thought the planning application would be approved in three months; it should be built by now“ says Fada
The well-off neighbours have filed 21 objections citing various concerns. Ken Rhatigan‚ former council leader points to road safety issues: while other residents worry about the areas unspoiled character. “This valley is a beautiful feature; and very unusually its completely unspoiled at present“ argues local resident Grahame Hawker
Brian Smith‚ another resident brings up traffic concerns on Hockford lane – mentioning recent accidents including one fatal crash. However one neighbour supports the project saying the land “had been left to mother nature for far too long“
