Trowell: Decision to be made on exotic animal sanctuary and spa plan

Reece Oliver wants to build the attraction on green belt land in Nottinghamshire

Plans to build a safari-style sanctuary for endangered animals alongside a themed spa retreat and restaurant in Nottinghamshire have been recommended for refusal.

Broxtowe Retreat, in Trowell, would allow guests to watch zoo animals while staying at the attraction.

Zookeeper Reece Oliver, who keeps exotic animals including lions and pumas, is behind the major project.

Councillors will vote on whether to approve the plans on Wednesday.

Under the proposals, there would be 27 guest lodges offering views of the enclosed animals, as well as a "tropical" spa featuring rainforest inhabitants.

If given the go-ahead, the project would be built on land next to The Forge in Trowell

Broxtowe Borough Council officers have recommended that councillors refuse the application at Wednesday's planning committee hearing.

Under the plans, there would be 10 animal enclosures at the site, off the A609 Ilkeston Road.

The plans also include an educational centre staffed by qualified teachers and 120 car parking spaces.

A planning report said the development would be inappropriate for green belt land and harmful to the character and appearance of the area.

Concerns have been raised about the project by some residents about noise, increased traffic and ethical considerations relating to animal captivity.

Business owner David Bardens was among the locals who were against the plans

The application received 484 objections against the project, while 462 people have backed the proposals.

David Bardens, who has owned the Walkers of Trowell fishing shop in the village for more than 50 years, said he was against it.

"It's hardly a wild rural area," he told BBC Radio Nottingham. "It's on a floodplain there and with the bad weather we've had recently, no-one is going to take the children there.

"I don't see an advantage to it. I'm certainly not supporting [the plans]."

But village postman Simon Stevenson said the attraction would be good for local tourism.

"The fact that it could bring in a lot of money to the village would be quite good. I would probably pay it a visit," he said.

"It would be like being on safari. It's nice to have places to go in the UK and also places that are not too far away from where you live."

Simon Stevenson said he would pay the attraction a visit if it was approved and subsequently built

Animal rights campaigners have also expressed issues about the plans that were submitted in November 2022.

Mr Oliver said the project would be beneficial to the local area by creating 60 direct jobs and boosting the local economy.

He also said he would offer school free visits.

"I'm trying to create something that's going to create jobs, help animals on land that's just wasteland," he said.

Mr Oliver said he would pursue an appeal if the plans were rejected.

In 2020, Mr Oliver won a battle to continue housing exotic animals in Strelley after building an enclosure for big cats without planning permission.