Martin Clunes challenges traveller site plan in Dorset amid flooding and soakaway concerns
Martin Clunes has been in this planning battle on his farm for two years(Image credit: Google Maps)
Actor Martin Clunes is intensifying his opposition to a planning application that seeks to establish a permanent travellers' site adjacent to his Dorset estate.
The proposal has faced multiple delays with the latest deferral occurring due to concerns over surface water flooding.
Clunes, supported by his legal team, argues that the applicants do not meet the legal definition of "travellers," as outlined in planning policy and so should not qualify for planning permission.
Dispute over traveller status and planning definitions
Actor Clunes opposes a retrospective planning application allowing a traveller family to remain on land near his Dorset home(Image credit: Getty Images)
The applicants, Langton and McGill, have resided in a 45ft by 16ft mobile home on their property at Meerhay for over two decades.
Clunes challenges the legitimacy of Langton and McGill's claim to Traveller status, arguing that their activities, such as attending festivals to sell handmade items, do not meet the legal criteria for nomadic life.
In a submission to Dorset Council, Clunes stated: "It cannot be concluded that the applicants are persons of nomadic habit of life due to them visiting music and other festivals each year to sell items and help set them up."
He further contends that labelling their static caravan as a mobile home is "cynical and dishonest," emphasising that the structure lacks mobility and was not constructed with any intention of being mobile.
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Council's position and community response
Objections highlight the site’s inadequate drainage, with worries that soakaway systems are failing and the area is vulnerable to flooding, raising environmental and safety issues(Image credit: Google Maps)
Despite Clunes' objections, Dorset Council's planning officers have recommended approval of the application, recognising Langton and McGill as part of the New Age Traveller community.
An officer's report noted: "It is very clear they follow and are a part of the New Age Traveller community and have been for many years."
The couple has lived on the site without running water or electricity since 2002 and previously held temporary licenses to remain.
The site had been used for unauthorised occupation for some time, but the travellers were allowed to stay temporarily while the planning application was considered.
Environmental concerns and legal proceedings
The planning application has faced delays due to environmental assessments, particularly concerning surface water flooding risks.
The flooding risks raised in the Martin Clunes planning case relate primarily to surface water flooding at the proposed traveller site near his Dorset home.
Dorset Council deferred its decision to further investigate these concerns. Clunes, represented by legal counsel, continues to oppose the application, arguing that approving the site would set a "harmful precedent" and that the location is unsuitable for a Traveller site given its designation as an Area Of Natural Beauty.
The outcome of this dispute remains pending as the council reviews the environmental findings and legal arguments presented by both parties.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
