Martin Clunes faces fresh planning row after four-year traveller site battle

Martin Clunes and his film producer wife Philippa Braithwaite are confronting fresh planning worries near their Dorset property after local residents submitted proposals for an organic farming operation.

The development comes merely four months following the couple's defeat in a protracted four-year dispute over New Age Travellers Theo Langton and Ruth McGill, who secured approval to convert their temporary mobile home site into a permanent residence.

The proposed farm sits within a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, positioned roughly 300 yards from the television star's luxury residence close to Beaminster.

Neighbours Andy Cream and Grace Burger are behind the new application, which has generated significant local debate and prompted more than 100 residents to submit correspondence expressing their views on the matter.

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The pair's proposals include constructing a storage barn, two polytunnels for growing crops, and a greenhouse to support what they describe as an eco-friendly business venture.

Their vision centres on selling fruit and vegetable boxes directly to the local community, with deliveries made by electric bicycle to minimise environmental impact.

According to their design and access statement, the couple intend to establish "a traditional market garden growing more than 100 varieties of seasonal vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers across one acre of minimal tillage land."

Future ambitions extend to producing orchard fruit, nuts, mushrooms and honey from the site.

The applicants argue their market garden would "form an important part of a local food system that improves the food security, carbon footprint, health and biodiversity of the local area."

When an earlier application was lodged by the pair, Ms Braithwaite penned a strongly worded objection letter expressing multiple concerns about the scheme.

She suggested the barn could ultimately be transformed into residential accommodation, describing it as "a roundabout way to get round the planning system."

Ms Braithwaite also highlighted practical issues, noting the area suffers from flooding problems and the site entrance sits on a blind bend, which she warned "would be lethal to have bicycles, trucks and vans coming in and out to deliver vegetables."

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The film producer cast doubt on the e-bike delivery model, calling it "obviously completely impractical in winter."

She concluded her objection by questioning whether the business plan was viable, arguing that "a large polytunnel and barn will detract from this magical piece of ancient land" within the protected AONB.

The application has garnered backing from Mr Langton, who has resided in the area for more than three decades and contributes to the local Community Emergency Resilience Plan.

In his letter of support, he wrote: "I value the small scale, sensitive and ecologically diverse approach the applicants are taking on their plans/planting schemes for the site."

Mr Langton emphasised that food security represents a crucial element of community resilience, stating the country "can no longer depend upon a just in time food systems delivery model" given threats from climate emergency, resource competition and global instability.

West Dorset MP Edward Morello has also expressed support, writing: "I hope that the planning process goes efficiently and if everything is approved, I would be pleased to come and visit your business when it is up and running."

The couple's earlier planning dispute with Mr Langton and Ms McGill stretched over four years before the pair finally received permission for their permanent site, which sits immediately adjacent to the Clunes' 130-acre farm.

That application attracted dozens of supportive letters from locals for a barn to serve as a dayroom, workshop and store, along with one mobile home, a touring caravan and a mobile van.

The latest organic farm proposals have similarly divided opinion locally, with numerous neighbours voicing disapproval given the steep terrain within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, narrow access lanes, and the planned removal of historic hedgerow.

Mr Cream and Ms Burger initially submitted applications in July, including one for a temporary agricultural workers dwelling, but withdrew both following objections. Their resubmitted April application focuses solely on the farming operation.

GB News has contacted Mr Clunes representatives for comment.

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