Gloucestershire’s suspended chief constable, Rod Hansen, is currently embroiled in a planning dispute after proposing to convert a barn into a three-bedroom home near Chepstow, Monmouthshire. The plans have triggered objections from local residents and Shirenewton Community Council, who fear the development threatens protected wildlife and habitats.
The community council raised concerns that the site was cleared of undergrowth and the barn roof removed before a comprehensive ecological survey was conducted. They report an abundance of protected species in the area—including bats, great crested newts, and dormice—particularly active during the breeding season. The council expects a full ecological appraisal and remediation to mitigate the impact on flora and fauna, should the council approve the plans.
An objector criticized the timing and scope of the ecological survey, which was limited and conducted during the winter daytime, a period of minimal wildlife activity. They also highlighted that construction began in July 2025, with the application to amend conditions only submitted in September 2025, raising concerns about compliance and enforcement.
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County Councillor Louise Brown supported the community’s objections, underscoring evidence of dormice presence on the site.
Rod Hansen’s planning agent, architect Richard Liddell, countered the claims by stating that the original 2005 planning permission remains valid and the construction work lawfully commenced within that timeframe. Mr. Liddell explained that initial groundwork had been completed under that consent and that Monmouthshire’s planning officials had confirmed the permission’s extant status.
He acknowledged the change in ecological regulations since 2005 but noted that a full ecological report was commissioned. The appraisal found minimal bat activity and only limited evidence of dormice activity some distance from the barn. To enhance biodiversity, the development includes planting approximately 400 native whips, including hazel favored by dormice, and restoring a pond shown on historical maps.
Additionally, the site will undergo a rolling tree management program to promote flora growth and ecological diversity. The building inspector has also approved the property as compliant with building regulations.
Monmouthshire County Council has yet to decide on the application to modify the development conditions.