The last breeder of dahlias in Britain has asked for permission to build a house at his nursery to help deter thieves.
Philip Godsmark, of Ryecroft Nursery, in Storrington, applied to Horsham District Council to build a three-bedroom, chalet-style house, which would allow him to live at the site.
Members of the planning committee south were told the nursery had been targeted by thieves in the past, with equipment and new varieties of dahlia tubers among the things stolen.
While officers felt the application should be refused, saying there was no functional evidence the house was needed or that the business was viable, the committee was not so sure.
