Village backlash as Somerset farmer plans new 'holiday destination'
Neighbours fear a new glamping site proposed for a farm near Shepton Mallet could bring unwelcome noise, traffic and antisocial behaviour to their village.A public meeting was held in the village of Cranmore on Tuesday evening to discuss plans to build a new glamping site near the old railway station. The meeting was organised by local people, including many who are objecting to the plans by farmer David Corp of Merryfield Farm.Mr Corp has applied for planning permission to build a glamping site with space for six holiday lets, a reception building, glamping and camping area, parking, dog pond, wildflower meadow and toilets. The land is at west Cranmore near the Piers Road to Southill House.Somerset Council’s planning page logs 21 comments in support of the idea and 19 in objection at the time of writing. Planning documents on behalf of the applicant state: "The site is considered an ideal location to provide holiday accommodation in the form of lodges, glamping and free pitch camping which can support diversification of the farm as a sustainable enterprise."Resident Helen Grimes is among those objecting to the proposal. She told SomersetLive she and other local residents fear it will "impact on our countryside, local wildlife and road safety" as well as "generate a substantial increase in traffic".She described: "The surrounding country lanes are narrow, winding and used daily by local residents, farmers, horse riders, cyclists and walkers. The junction from Piers Road onto the A361 is already described in the Cranmore village plan as one of the busiest and most hazardous between Shepton Mallet and Frome."Adding hundreds of additional vehicle movements each week, particularly during holiday periods, would inevitably increase the risk of accidents. The proposal would also see an open field set within a rural landscape transformed into a busy holiday destination."This landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife, including bats, badgers, deer, foxes, hares, rabbits, owls, red kites and newts. Increased lighting, traffic, noise and year-round human activity would inevitably disturb these species."She questioned the need for the development, noting "two established campsites within two miles of the proposed location and many more within a ten mile radius". Helen added: "We support sustainable tourism and understand the need for farms to diversify, but this must be suitable for the area, on the right scale and in the right place."This proposal is none of these and will cause lasting harm both to the landscape and its wildlife as well as affecting the safety and wellbeing of current residents and visitors."Other objections referenced concerns about antisocial behaviour and parties, with Charly Body writing: "It is well documented that campsites often draw younger groups of people and hen/stag do's. Anti social behaviour, noise are a worry and there is no doubt there will be wedding and parties held there."Comments of support have also been left on the planning application, including by Eunice Stephenson who said: “This is a sustainable project to support farm diversification at Merryfield Farm in these challenging times for the farming community, and also meet the requirements of local planning policies for a diverse, robust, thriving and resilient local rural economy and for proposals which attract visitors to the area.”Simon Bending, general manager of the East Somerset Railway, has also given the proposals his unequivocal backing, stating: “We wholeheartedly support the plans, which would provide a fantastic facility enhancing our operations at Cranmore.“We would be keen to support the additional foot access to Cranmore station and our existing facilities.” Peter Thomson, who runs the station cafe at Cranmore, added: “We would hope that this would bring more visitors to the railway and to our business. It sounds like it’s something beneficial for all of us.”The council is expected to make a decision within three months and the plans can be viewed in full here.
