Actor Martin Clunes is embroiled in a planning dispute with his neighbours over a proposal for a permanent traveller site near his farm.The Doc Martin star, 61, as well as other villagers close to his home in Beaminster in Dorset, are objecting to the plans by Theo Langton and Ruth McGill.The couple, who have lived in a 45ft by 16ft mobile home on land they own at Meerhay for 25 years, have applied for planning permission to continue living there permanently.
Planning officers at Dorset Council are recommending to councillors on the area planning committee the application is granted.
The recommendation is a blow to the Men Behaving Badly star and his neighbours who are opposed to the application. Martin and his wife of 25 years, Philippa, have lodged an objection to the plans along with several neighbours.They say the proposals would intensify the existing travellers’ site and impact upon an area of outstanding natural beauty.They also object to the lack of amenities on the site, such as electricity, water and sewage.Their planning agent, Will Cobley, said: “Our clients have lived at their property for many years and are concerned by the proposal, which seeks to authorise and intensify a nearby traveller use on a permanent basis. “The site is a wholly unsuitable location for a traveller site in an area of countryside and the Dorset area of outstanding natural beauty contrary to national planning policy. “The permanent use of the land as a travellers’ site has been consistently rejected by the council.The current proposal seeks to continue and intensify the existing unauthorised use of the site.
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