Martin Clunes Dealt Major Blow in Prolonged Battle Over Travellers' Site
TV star Martin Clunes has suffered a significant setback in his ongoing dispute against a proposed travellers' site adjacent to his £5 million farmhouse in Dorset. Planning officials have formally recommended granting permission for the controversial development, which lies approximately 300 yards from the actor's luxury residence.
Human Rights Concerns Influence Planning Decision
One of the primary reasons cited for the approval is the potential infringement on the human rights of the applicants, Theo Langton and Ruth McGill. Officials argue that denying the application could violate their right to a family life and home under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The matter is scheduled for a vote by Dorset Council councillors next week. If they align with the professional advice, the New Age Travellers can proceed with creating a permanent space for a mobile home, a touring caravan, and a mobile van.
Background of the Dispute
Martin Clunes, 64, and his TV producer wife Philippa Braithwaite have resided at Higher Meerhay Farm near Beaminster, Dorset, since 2007. The couple purchased the 130-acre estate from Mr Langton's mother, celebrated landscape gardener Georgia Langton. In contrast, Mr Langton, 56, and Ms McGill, 51, have lived off-grid in a static caravan on the woodland site since 2003 under a rolling temporary licence. They applied to make this arrangement permanent in 2022, including securing permission for a modest barn used as a workshop.
Clunes' Opposition and Counterarguments
Mr Clunes has vehemently opposed the plans throughout the process, hiring a top planning barrister and at one point describing the applicants as cynical and dishonest. His objections included claims that the couple did not meet the legal definition of traveller status and that their caravan was not genuinely mobile. However, Dorset Council's liaison officer verified that Mr Langton and Ms McGill have been part of the UK travelling community for 30 years, attending fairs to sell their wares. An engineer's assessment confirmed that the caravan could be divided and transported on a standard articulated lorry trailer, meeting government guidelines.
Additional concerns raised by Mr Clunes involved risks of surface water flooding and harm to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A flood risk assessment determined the site is safe from surface water flooding for the next 100 years, and planning officers dismissed the landscape impact argument, noting that the applicants have undertaken landscaping to mitigate visual effects.
Community Support and Broader Implications
The couple have garnered local support, with community members like Betty Billington highlighting that Mr Clunes bought his property knowing the family already occupied the land. However, other residents, such as Dinah Clarke and retired chartered surveyor James Green, expressed worries about setting a precedent for similar developments in protected areas and affordability issues for young locals.
Dorset Council planning officer Bob Burden emphasised the significant shortage of permanent traveller sites in the region as another factor favouring approval. He stated that the site is considered appropriate for a permanent grant of permission, balancing the applicants' needs with environmental considerations.
The final decision rests with Dorset Council members, who will vote on the application next week, potentially ending a long-standing neighbourhood conflict.
