A LANDOWNER accused of bringing chaos to a Hampshire village after dozens of animals escaped into gardens has lost his battle with city planners.

Robert Memory angered neighbours by bringing livestock onto his smallholding in South Wonston, near Winchester.

Now attempts to build barns, sheds and enclosures have been blocked by Winchester City Council after more than 20 neighbours spoke out about noise, dung smell and dangerous traffic on Alresford Drove, a one-track road.

Since moving the animals onto the site, pigs, goats, geese and chickens have been seen in gardens, distressing elderly residents.

Six rhea, flightless birds similar to ostriches, also escaped from their enclosure in July. Police are tracking three which remain in the countryside.

Mr Memory planned to open a small farm shop, selling meat, dairy and plants seven days a week. He wanted to keep rare breeds on site for “maximum income”, according to his application.

Much of the work has already been done.

The council received 21 objections to Mr Memory’s part retrospective bid for planning permission.

Ward councillor Malcolm Wright, who lives in Goldfinch Way, said: “The small amount of animals currently on site have caused a noise problem along with the smell of dung from animals.

“This is not an attempt by someone to live the ‘good life’ which may be acceptable in some village/town estates/areas, which this proposed development borders on, but an attempt to form a profitable small holding which should only be allowed in open rural areas.”

Dung heaps were also left at the top of the site near houses in Goldfinch Way, according to some objectors.

Daily Echo:

Robert Memory's smallholding in Alresford Drove, South Wonston, where four rhea have escaped

Neighbour Emily Hutt said: “I have seen an increase in rats to the close and although this has previously been an issue before the animals arrived, it seems to have increased again.

“The constant noise of these animals does have an effect on the local houses and even driving past the area you never know what might pop out the fence.

“It just looks like a chaotic area with animals escaping all the time.”

Planning officers rejected the application because it would harm the neighbourhood and pose traffic issues on the one-track road.

Asked whether Mr Memory would be forced to demolish the buildings, a council spokesman said: “Officers will need to assess whether there are sufficient grounds for taking enforcement action for the works which have already taken place without planning permission where required.”

Mr Memory was unavailable for comment.