Wayne and Donna Hetherington who have been forced to fight to keep a giant pirate ship in the back garden of their pub (Image: Tony Kershaw / SWNS)
A Surrey couple has been left devastated after being told they need planning permission for a massive pirate ship in their village pub garden.
Donna Hetherington, 57, and her husband Waine, 59, who have been running the Dog and Duck pub in Outwood for a decade, are facing tough times as Tandridge District Council demands planning permission following complaints about the ‘eyesore’. The couple had installed the pirate ship approximately five years ago, aiming to create a safe, fun spot for kids.
The local business Extreme Fun utilises the area in warmer seasons, offering bouncy castles, a climbing wall, and even a paddling pool with pedal boats. But now the presence of the pirate ship and play area is threatened, potentially jeopardising the future of the Hetherington’s pub.
Donna, an ex-police officer, said: “We wanted somewhere that parents could bring children and be safe. It is a family-friendly pub, and we are known for that.”
She also shared her fears about survival, adding: “We struggle to survive in the winter. The cost of living crisis has just made things worse. We are in a bit of a dilemma. I am really worried about our future.
“I am worried about whether we will survive another year. We will seriously have to look at whether we can keep it afloat.”
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Donna and Wayne have run the Dog and Duck for a decade (Image: Tony Kershaw / SWNS)
Donna is bewildered by the complaints against her family-friendly venture as it only operates till 5:30pm with temporary fixtures.
The publican says the love parents and children have for a secure spot for leisure, despite the area not being overlooked by any residences.
Spurred on by community spirit, the couple initiated a petition on Change.org nearly a month past, now boasting close to 1,000 backers in a bid to rescue the play area.
Donna is also contemplating launching a GoFundMe campaign to gather monies needed for planning consent.
She said: “It can cost anything up to £10k to get that kind of planning. We are not in the position to do that. Now we have this big field which we pay for, which provided a fun and safe place for children.”
Minimal noise was heard beyond the sound of children’s merriment, she maintains, since the playground sits away from the road with no overlooking houses.
With countless warm calls and messages pouring in, the sentiment is clear—people are yearning for its return and cherish the amenity.
Community comments attached to the petition advocate for the play area, hailing it as a haven drawing youngsters away from their screens.
One said: “It’s so difficult to get the children off electricals and to play outside.”
Another added: “This place is an absolute gem and it gets the children outside, playing, meeting others, and supporting a local business.
“It would be such a shame to lose it and would be detrimental to the business, the children and the families in the area.”
A third chimed in: “Stop trying to deprive our children of outdoor fun.
“This place has been a go to for us in the school holidays it is affordable and fun, my children love playing here and I can relax knowing they are in a safe environment having lots of fun.”
Brewery Hall and Woodhouse have agreed to assist with the planning application, but it could take a while for the application to be processed.
Therefore, this Easter’s activities from Extreme Fun will have to be delayed until a decision has been made.
Mark James, business partnerships director at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are committed to supporting our business partners with guidance and financial assistance when required.
“As such, we have proactively engaged a planning consultant to ensure we’re providing the very best advice on this matter and to the team at The Dog and Duck.
“Our planning consultant advised that it is unlikely that permission will be granted for the funfair at The Dog and Duck, mainly due to the constraints of being within the Green Belt.
The couple have launched a change.org petition (Image: Tony Kershaw / SWNS)
“In light of this, we are working with our business partners to explore an alternative temporary solution, which doesn’t require planning permission, but should still enable the pub to run the funfair for key events over the year.
“However, should our business partners decide to pursue planning permission for this site, we have agreed to provide additional support.”
Councillor Claire Blackwell, chair of Tandridge District Council’s planning committee, explained: “We have advised the owners to apply for planning permission and to seek pre-application advice before applying.
“We have not yet received a request for pre-application advice or an application for planning permission and are aware that the equipment was removed last year.”
To support the cause, sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/reinstate-extrene-fun-kids-bouncy-activities-at-dog-and-duck-outwood/c.