Crime & Safety
Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner triumph over neighbours
The married Spice Girl and former F1 boss live at the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire and have been locked in a number of planning battles with neighbours.
Most recently this has been over plans for a horse walker at her stables.
The celebrity pair own a horse racing company called OMBI and have built new stables for 14 horses at their Oxfordshire pad.
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They have employed a full-time trainer, and their horses are all named after Geri’s solo career hits.
But plans for the walker on land adjacent to their main home were met with anger by neighbours – with a number of objections registered with West Northamptonshire District Council.
Among the concerns were over the height of the building and visual impact, inadequate screening, lighting, and lack of a storage relocation plan.
But planning official Forrest Childs approved the application on Thursday, March 26.
He said in his decision notice that development of this nature in the open countryside “can be acceptable in principle where it supports an existing rural enterprise and does not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area”.
Mr Childs added: “Given that the site already operates as an established equestrian holding, and the proposed horse walker represents a functional and proportionate addition to support the existing use, the principle of development is considered acceptable.”
The scheme is the latest in a number of planning rows between the couple and their neighbours.
They were recently given approval to keep a pergola that had been built without planning permission.
Last year they were also granted planning permission to build a second pool on the grounds despite fears that it would be a ‘blot on the landscape.’
One anonymous neighbour, who objected to the horse walker plans said: “Whilst we do not object to the principle of a horse walker to support the private equestrian use of the adjacent equestrian barn and other equestrian activities, we object to the plans as currently presented.”
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In a statement on behalf of Geri and Christian Horner, a planning agent said the structure “will be largely screened from all angles once the existing new hedging matures”.
The applicant also referenced DEFRA’s code of practice for the welfare of horses.
The planning agent added: “It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day.
“The installation of the horse walker will ensure that this is possible.”
The adorable animals were found in Abingdon yesterday afternoon (Sunday, March 29) and were handed in to the vets.
Currently housed at The Hart Veterinary Centre in Bicester and Aylesbury, the group are looking for new owners.
Shared on the social media site X, Animal Adoptions UK released a photograph of the puppies and details about taking them on.
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“Urgent, please retweet to help find a foster home for these abandoned puppies found today, March 29, found under a bush in Oxfordshire,” read the page.
“Please only apply if you have the time, experience, knowledge and space for all of them.
“This afternoon, seven tiny puppies were handed in after they were found under a bush in Abingdon.
“Whilst we don’t know the circumstances that led them to end up there, the most important thing is that they are all safe now and are currently with our vets at The Hart Veterinary Centre in Bicester & Aylesbury, being warmed up before being given some much-needed milk.
“We are urgently looking for a foster carer who can hand-rear these pups and give them the best start in life.
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“Before applying, please read the following.
“You must be able to commit to at least the next 8 weeks to feeding them and socialising them.
“Ideally, you would have a dog in the home who is well socialised and able to help teach them good dog manners.
“They will be hard work, so please don’t apply if you can’t fully commit to them. You must be able to take them to Hart Vets in Bicester for check-ups.
“You will need to bring them to the sanctuary for adoption meets. The sanctuary will provide everything they need whilst in your care.”
Thames Valley Police has now asked any witnesses to come forward and anyone with dash-cam footage to share it as they investigate the non-stop injury road traffic collision.
The incident occurred at 4.30am on Saturday, March 28 at the Banbury Road junction with Parks Road in Oxford, near to the University Parks.
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The pedestrian, who was in their 20s, was reportedly hit by a dark coloured Toyota while crossing the Banbury Road.
The motorist failed to remain at the scene of the collision and the pedestrian sustained minor injuries which were treated at hospital, Thames Valley Police stated on Sunday morning.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward following a non-stop injury road traffic collision.
“A pedestrian, aged in his 20s, was struck by a dark coloured Toyota whilst crossing the Banbury Road close to the junction with Parks Road, Oxford.
“The Toyota involved failed to remain at the scene of the collision.
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“The pedestrian sustained minor injuries which were treated in hospital, but has since been discharged.
“If you were the driver of the Toyota involved please contact Thames Valley Police online or via 101 quoting the reference 43260151582.
“If you were in the area at the time and think you might have information to help us, please contact us online using the same reference.”
The collection of seven coins, featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle, is currently up for sale on eBay.
Despite millions of Peter Rabbit-themed coins being produced, certain versions can attract significant interest online — especially those that are in pristine condition or from limited releases.
Beatrix Potter gold proof coins, like the 2020 Peter Rabbit Gold Proof 50p and the 2016 UK 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter 50p Gold Proof, are especially in demand.
Dealers generally value them between £1,800 and £2,200.
These gold proof coins are significantly more expensive than the ordinary silver proof or the brilliant uncirculated ones, which typically retail for under a few hundred pounds.
Factors such as the number of coins minted, their condition, market demand, and any minting errors influence a coin’s price.
While some coins have managed to secure substantial amounts online, experts suggest collectors focus on recently sold prices, rather than current asking prices.
Professional appraisals are also recommended to accurately determine a coin’s worth.
The Royal Mint has previously said that while some coins can be valuable, many listings reflect sellers’ expectations rather than guaranteed market value.
The Beatrix Potter collection has become one of the most sought-after series among UK coin collectors in recent years.
In summation, while a Beatrix Potter-themed 50p coin may sometimes be worth a substantial amount, various factors significantly influence its market value.
Prospective buyers and collectors are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when participating in online auctions and trades.
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