Actors Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey, known for their roles as Gary and Tony in the 1990s sitcom "Men Behaving Badly," reunited on Monday to judge a dog show at the Buckham Fair. The event was held on Clunes's property near Beaminster in Dorset, marking the fair's return after a seven-year hiatus.
The duo, both 64, appeared with clipboards and visible smiles, showcasing their enduring camaraderie. Clunes sported a cowboy hat, polo shirt, and shorts, while Morrissey opted for a green shirt and jeans. This marks not the first time the pair have attended the fair, having been pictured there in 2014 and 2018.
Morrissey has previously expressed interest in a "Men Behaving Badly" revival, stating that the original cast members, including Caroline Quentin and Leslie Ash, are open to returning if a suitable script is developed by writer Simon Nye.
However, the event coincided with Clunes's ongoing dispute over planning applications near his £5 million home in Dorset. The actor has voiced strong objections to a permanent travelers' site established on land adjacent to his property. He also expressed concerns over fresh plans for a new organic farm submitted by neighbors Andy Cream and Grace Burger.
Earlier this year, Clunes and his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, lost a four-year planning battle against Theo Langton and Ruth McGill, who were granted permission to make their temporary mobile home site permanent. This site is located within a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is approximately 300 yards from Clunes's residence.
The new proposal from Cream and Burger involves establishing an eco-business to sell fruit and vegetable boxes locally via e-bike. Their plans include a storage barn, polytunnels, and a greenhouse, which they describe as contributing to food security and reducing carbon footprints. These plans have received support from Langton.
Clunes has written a letter to Dorset Council's planning officers, expressing his belief that the council will ultimately permit Cream and Burger to proceed with their plans, regardless of objections. He alleges that the council has a history of not enforcing rulings or conditions, allowing developments to proceed without adequate consultation or adherence to regulations. He cited his own experiences with the dispute over Langton and McGill's site, suggesting a pattern of leniency and a failure to enforce planning permissions.
Philippa Braithwaite also previously objected to the initial plans by Cream and Burger, which included a temporary agricultural workers' dwelling. She voiced concerns that the application was a means to eventually convert the barn into a permanent residence and that such developments would detract from the protected AONB environment. The couple later revised their application to focus solely on the farm aspect.
The proposed market garden by Cream and Burger aims to grow over 100 varieties of seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers on one acre of land. The produce would be sold via a 'veg box' scheme and to local businesses, with deliveries made by electric bike. The applicants assert this would bolster local food supply chains and the economy.
Beaminster Town Council has opposed the plans, deeming the polytunnels and greenhouse inconsistent with the protected rural setting. Amidst the community response, a Mr. Strang, sharing the same surname as Clunes's "Men Behaving Badly" character, lodged an objection.