Actor Martin Clunes and his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, are reportedly concerned about a new planning application for an eco-business near their 130-acre farm in Dorset, England. This development comes just months after the couple lost a four-year planning battle against New Age travelers Theo Langton and Ruth McGill, who received permission to establish a permanent site for their mobile homes.
The new proposal, submitted by neighbors Andy Cream and Grace Burger, involves setting up an organic farm and an eco-business to sell fruit and vegetable boxes directly to the local community using e-bikes. The plans include the construction of a storage barn, two polytunnels for crops, and a greenhouse. The applicants state their aim is to create a traditional market garden focusing on seasonal produce and to improve local food security, reduce carbon footprint, and enhance biodiversity.
This latest application has brought renewed opposition from Braithwaite, who previously objected to the initial plans. In a letter, she expressed concerns that the proposed barn could be converted into a residential dwelling, echoing long-standing issues with individuals living on or near Mr. Langton's adjacent site, known as Wintergreen Barn. Braithwaite also raised worries about the site's location in a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), potential flooding, and safety concerns regarding deliveries on narrow lanes with blind bends, questioning the practicality of e-bike deliveries in winter.
Mr. Langton, who is a supporter of the new eco-business proposal, has publicly advocated for food security in the Beaminster area. He stated in a letter of support that he values the applicants' small-scale, sensitive, and ecologically diverse approach. Langton also referenced the climate and ecological emergency, resource competition, and global instability as reasons why local food production is crucial and could be considered a mandatory part of critical local infrastructure.
West Dorset MP Edward Morello has also expressed support for Cream and Burger's venture, hoping for an efficient planning process. The applicants have submitted three planning applications, with the first two being withdrawn following neighbor complaints. The current application is solely for the farm, which has generated divided opinions within the local community, with over 100 residents submitting letters of opinion.
The proposed market garden aims to grow over 100 varieties of seasonal vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers on one acre of land. In the long term, the couple plans to expand into producing orchard fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and honey. Deliveries within Beaminster are intended to be made via electric bicycles. The applicants believe their project will contribute to resilient local food supply chains and support the local economy.
This situation unfolds near Clunes' 130-acre farm, which he and his mother purchased in 2007. The initial planning battle involved Langton and McGill seeking permanent permission for their encampment, which includes a barn for day use, a workshop, a store, a mobile home, a touring caravan, and a mobile van. Reports from April indicated that Langton and McGill sold some of their land for SAS training and survival school activities. Clunes and Braithwaite have declined to comment on the new application.