Martin Clunes planning row: Doc Martin star says neighbours ‘aren’t travellers’

Martin Clunes has released a very last ditch try to quit his new age hippie neighbours building a traveller web page beneath his hilltop manor home by declaring the pair are not real travellers.

Theo Langdon and Ruth McGill submitted a scheduling application for a long term site future to the Doc Martin star’s home in Meerhay, Dorset, prompting the actor and his neighbours to object that the internet site is ‘unsuitable’ and will spoil their view.

The pair are backed by arranging officers at Dorset Council, which is beneath force to deliver web sites for gypsies and travellers. However, a major law firm employed by Mr Clunes insists there is not plenty of evidence they are in fact nomadic persons.

In a freshly-launched report, John Steel KC warns the area authority will be performing unlawfully if it grants the couple planning authorization for the encampment based mostly on the assertion that they are travellers.

Mr Steel claimed: ‘The organizing application is expressly for a ”Traveller site”. There is no evidence in the software ahead of the council that both applicant is presently a Traveller within just the that means of setting up plan.

‘All that is said in the officer report is that ‘the vast majority of the candidates travelling is to show and market products at a variety of fairs/gatherings and or festivals.’

‘This is absolutely inadequate as no information are offered of dates, frequency, location or in any other case.

‘Many people who dwell in permanent lodging carry out the similar or related pursuits for a dwelling, pastime or pastime, like travelling consistently to agricultural or equestrian displays and gatherings or live shows, fairs and festivals, and simply cannot possibly be classed as Travellers.

‘Without apparent proof the council would be performing unlawfully to class the applicants as Travellers.’

Mr Clunes, 61, and his TV producer spouse, Philippa Braithwaite, 58, purchased 130-acre Better Meerhay Farm around Beaminster from Mr Langton’s mom, the celebrated yard designer Georgia Langton, for £3million in 2007.

Mr Langton and Mrs McGill possess a plot of land 300 yards from the Clunes’ property, hidden by trees.

They have lived in an unauthorised 45ft by 16ft static caravan for more than 20 years. The cellular property on slabs has no running water or energy and the couple use a compost bathroom.

In 2015, the local council granted the pair a five yr temporary licence to are living on the site.

That expired in 2020 and they have been living there ever since, but now want to legalise the settlement and transform it into a lasting private household traveller web-site, with room for readers.

Mr Metal mentioned in his report that the nearby council has earlier mentioned the web-site was unsuitable for permanent development since it is component of an Spot of Exceptional Natural Attractiveness and lacks essential products and services.

He argued that granting the software would set a ‘negative and effective precedent’.

‘The council has continuously created it clear that the web site is unsuitable for long term growth and there is no great motive for any various conclusion as there have been no materials alterations in circumstance,’ he explained.

In his report, council officer Bob Burden cited the general deficiency of web sites for ‘gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople’ in Dorset as a key rationale for why it must go forward.

He said the need for such pitches has increased in modern yrs and insisted the enhancement would not hurt the pure magnificence of the region.

He explained: ‘Given the on-likely coverage and analysis track record of absence of offered site options, coupled with the minimal visible impression on the Space of Excellent All-natural Magnificence it is considered that the use of this internet site as a everlasting foundation for this traveller relatives is acceptable.’

Mr Clunes gave a quick remark on the scheduling row when MailOnline frequented his luxury mansion previously this thirty day period.

He claimed: ‘We are pretty fortunate to have this gorgeous check out. It would be a awful disgrace if it was spoilt. We love living below.’

As he spoke, he gestured to the flooring-to-ceiling photo glass window – measuring two metres by 4 metres – behind him which overlooks the proposed web page and enjoys sweeping sights throughout unspoilt countryside.

Requested to comment exclusively on the proposed progress, he smiled and said ‘I am not heading to comment on this, thank you.

‘But you are welcome to discuss to my neighbour, Mr Langdon, to request his comments.

‘My comprehension is that the proposals are now going to be read by council committee customers.’

Journalists browsing Mr Langdon at his house under Mr Clunes’ dwelling but were greeted by a information prepared in black marker pen on cardboard, which browse: ‘Not reporters, thank you’.

Ms McGill confirmed the few had ‘no comment’ to make.

Dorset Council’s arranging committee is because of to fulfill on Thursday to vote on the subject.