BARN STORM
OAP couple outraged as neighbour puts up ‘monstrous’ barn yards from their living room window blocking their view
A COUPLE have been left horrified by a barn-like "monstrosity" erected just yards from their living room window in West Wellow, Hampshire.
Dave and Di Jesinger, both 77, have had their idyllic view of open fields and wildlife ruined by the new build.
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The massive corrugated steel building was built by their neighbour, eminent cardiologist Iain Simpson, after using a loophole in planning rules.
The Jesingers, who are now "forced to live with the blinds closed," said the only warning they received was when Mr Simpson called the night before construction began in May.
But they claim he gave no details about what the building would look like.
The couple were horrified when the 44ft long, 25ft wide and 15ft high "monstrosity" was erected on the other side of their garden fence.
The couple say the structure next to their £700,000 three-bedroom bungalow is so overbearing they are considering leaving their home of 50 years.
Locals say they have never had any problems with Mr Simpson, 61, or his wife Nancy, and are at a loss as to why a doctor would build a structure in such an "intrusive" location.
Mr Jesinger, a retired mathematician at a research laboratory, complained to the authorities but was told nothing could be done as a loophole means no planning permission is needed for agricultural buildings.
STEEL 'MONSTROSITY'
He said: "People in the village are talking about starting a petition to get rid of it – they all think it is a monstrosity.
"You hear about people building things like this to get around planning applications."
"We are worried about the value of our house now. It is our children’s problem really because they will get less inheritance.
"But it was our intention to stay here until we die. Now, we are looking at selling it. We love this place and this has destroyed the concept of our home."
The couple said they were shocked it was possible to build such an imposing building without permission and warned: "If you live near to designated agricultural land, it can happen to you without any warning.
"We are in total disbelief. We used to have a lovely view, we could keep an eye on the birds and the nature – now we are forced to live with the blinds closed."
Roger Ravenscroft, 76, who lives across the road, said: "It’s unsightly, it’s horrible and not keeping with the neighbourhood."
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The prior notification application for the building was submitted to New Forest National Park Authority last year by farmer Tim Bunch, who has occasionally worked on the field.
It is not known why Mr Bunch submitted it rather than the Simpsons.
Mr Simpson refused to comment on the building which has remained unused since it went up in June.
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