Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward claims she's the victim of a 'witch hunt' over a planning application at her Alderley Edge mansion - and loads of M.E.N readers seem to agree!
The interior designer, and wife of ex-footballer Ashley Ward, spoke out after 150 complaints were lodged against her plan for a 'banqueting venue' for weddings and conferences at Warford Hall - the £13.5m property the couple bought ten years ago.
The application is going to be heard at a planning meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall on June 1.
A local campaign is urging neighbours to attend, claiming that the venue would 'forever change the character of our peaceful village community'.
But when we published the story on our Facebook page yesterday, response from readers was overwhelmingly in support of Dawn.
Ann Flanagan wrote: "I don't think it's anyone else's business what Dawn does. She owns her land and property. Good luck Dawn. Could I have an invite please, even though I am married."
And Sandra Hearne, from Oldham, added: "I will start a petition to get it agreed if ms. Dawn would renew my vows (free of course), could understand the noise situation if she was in a council estate.... jealous people springs to mind !!!!"
Adam Cairns made the point: "Think of the local people who would be employed. Shame on her nimby neighbours."
In her response to the stream of objections, Dawn told the M.E.N: “It’s like a witch-hunt. It’s unbelievable. Fair enough (to complain) if you are local, but we are getting complaints as far as Tytherington. How it can affect people as far away as Tytherington I have not idea. It’s ludicrous.”
“Neighbours don’t like noise. I understand.”
But, she added, that when the couple moved into the property 'there were over a hundred people working here at a call centre with more than 80 cars each day coming in and out'.
She said that her planned venue would be sound-proofed and would cater for a maximum of 120 people, who would come in and out of the site by bus, and park elsewhere.
Zena Freeman wrote on our Facebook page: "Beautiful house. Fab idea. Jealousy comes in all shape an sizes. Strike a pose an crack on."
Julia Garforth added: "I have never met her but I like her. I think she comes across great on the show. She's a passionate business lady. Good luck to her."
Pictures: Inside Dawn Ward's Cheshire mansion... just HOW pink is that bedroom!
And Luke O'Connell wrote: "Petty and pretentious NIMBYs, jealous of her and her family. Beautiful house."
Fran Entwistle popped the question to Jamie (presumably her husband!): "Can we get married all over again at Wardy's?"
Not everyone raced to join 'Team Wardy' though. Debbie Wood wrote: "She wouldn't care who she upsets as long as she gets what she wants."
And Mark Latimer proved not everyone is addicted to the Real Housewives of Cheshire, with the comment: "Who the **** is Dawn Ward?"
