A couple who transformed a smallholding into a sanctuary for animals have been given permission to live there themselves.

Michael and Jill Brennan care for more than 100 chickens, ducks and goats at the site in West Street, Sompting, near Worthing.

Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service often rely on the Brennans to help nurse animals they recover.

But when Adur District Council officers noticed the couple were also living on site in a caravan, they told them they needed planning permission.

The land is in the strategic gap, meaning it is usually set aside for farming use.

But Adur planners last night voted in favour of the couple being granted residential use of the land.

Chairman Melanie Blunden said the Brennans' application was unique and their service to the community warranted an exception being made.

After the meeting, she said: "I think the committee felt the sanctuary was a haven in the countryside.

"The application was approved on the condition that it is only for these particular people.

"It is not normal to allow a caravan in a strategic gap."

The Brennans bought the smallholding in the Eighties and look after 70 chickens, 30 ducks, 10 guineafowl and eight goats.

Five years ago, ill health made it difficult for them both to visit from Worthing so they moved on to the site.

Mrs Brennan, 57, and Mr Brennan, 63, agreed the sanctuary would probably have been forced to close if they could not stay there.

Mrs Brennan said: "The sanctuary is a lot of work but it is not hard work. Sometimes people find animals in the street and just drop them over the gates.

"Mick has always had chickens, ducks and geese. We enjoy looking after them because it's relaxing to us.

"If we did not get permission we would be homeless because we have sold up everything and cannot work.

"It would have turned everything upside down."