There are plans for a mobile home for a worker at a fishery near Gloucester to deter thieves from stealing and homeless people from living on the site.
Catch a Smile, a community interest company based at Elmore Lane West, Stonebench, near Quedgeley, helps people with disabilities and special needs to enjoy fishing.
They have now submitted plans to Gloucester City Council to provide a mobile home for the fishery manager to live in at the site.
The main reasons they need the home is for animal welfare, security, out of hours maintenance and sustainability.
In the past, thieves have stolen an oxygenation pump, fish stock, plant, equipment, machinery and tools which are a huge cost to the charitable organisation.
“As well as thieves, further trespassers have been identified on site including youths who cause damage, set fires and swim in the lake,” the planning statement reads.
“Not only is this a security and criminal damage issue but it is also extremely dangerous for the youths.
“A homeless person has also been found sleeping in the shelters on site.”
They also say dogs have been entering the site from the footpath which is causing a great deal of stress to the animals within the petting zoo.
“As the popularity of the fishing lakes increase, there is a requirement to stock the lakes in greater numbers,” the planning statement reads.
“The result of this is that the water conditions are less stable, requiring regular monitoring to ensure that oxygen levels are at an appropriate level to ensure the health and wellbeing of the fish stock.
“If oxygen levels are left unmonitored and drop below recommended conditions, there is a high probability that the fish will suffer and perish.
“Predators, such as large birds and mammals, are prevalent. A presence on site serves as a deterrent.”
The council is expected to consider the proposals by December 21.
And people have until November 17 to comment on the scheme.
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter