A HAMPSHIRE man who is at the centre of a row with residents over his plans to build a farm shop is living on land illegally.

Neighbours of Robert Memory say their lives are being blighted by loud noises, fires, rats, escaped animals coming from Mr Memory's land at Alresford Drove in South Wonston.

A planning appeal heard how Mr Memory should not be living on that land, which he owns, as he has not been granted planning permission for residential use.

Last year it was reported how animals including six Rhea escaped his land, which worried residents in the area.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Last year the 50-year-old had a planning application turned down last year for the site where he aims to build a small farm shop, selling meat, dairy and plants seven days a week. 

Now he is hoping to have that decision overturned by the planning inspectorate.

Neighbour David Coakley spoke at the hearing and listed several issues that has blighted his and his wife's life which stemmed from Mr Memory's property.

These included escaped animals and a rat problem which he says comes from Mr Memory's land which he says resulted in his wife's guide dog being bitten.

He also pointed out fires burning and noise coming from the land, this  one occasion where Mr Memory’s son used a chainsaw to “scare away” rats.

Mr Coakley said: "We have had to have recording equipment in our bedroom because the noise is all night and all day.”

Mr Memory defended himself, he explained he is "stuck" and has nowhere else to go and wants to stay local as his family live in the area and he works in Alresford. 

He added he believes he needs to stay on the site for the welfare of the animals and to help the business.

Mr Memory complained Winchester City Council have not helped him find alternative accommodation, and he reiterated his desire to not sell the land.  Mr Memory said: "I could sell the land but I do not believe in selling my dream"

However neighbours believe his business is unviable and Mr Memory admitted himself that currently turnover is "minimal" but said this is because he hasn't been able to move forward with his plans.

Winchester City Council have given Mr Memory three noise notices since 2014, these included two section 80 notices in 2014 over noise from pigs, goats, and cockerels.

More recently they issued him with a noise notice on May 24, about noise coming from Turkeys and Geese.

Mr Memory said he works with the council to deal with complaints and the fires mainly came from other properties but admitted he did do some to burn wood.

He pleaded with neighbours to give him a chance to get his business off the ground.

Mr Memory said: "I have really tried to move on and get things done and get things finished and I just get a barrage of constant problems and complaints which mostly come from one place."

The planning inspectorate Graham Dudley will make a decision in the coming weeks.