Doc Martin star Martin Clunes launches last-ditch bid to stop new-age hippie neighbours building traveller site next to his hilltop Dorset manor house… by claiming the couple are NOT nomads
- Theo Langdon and Ruth McGill want to build a permanent site
Martin Clunes has launched a last ditch attempt to stop his new age hippie neighbours building a traveller site below his hilltop manor house by claiming the couple are not real travellers.
Theo Langdon and Ruth McGill submitted a planning application for a permanent site next to the Doc Martin star’s home in Meerhay, Dorset, prompting the actor and his neighbours to object that the site is ‘unsuitable’ and will spoil their view.
The couple are backed by planning officials at Dorset Council, which is under pressure to provide sites for gypsies and travellers. However, a top lawyer hired by Mr Clunes insists there is not enough evidence they are actually nomadic people.
In a newly-released report, John Steel KC warns the local authority will be acting unlawfully if it grants the couple planning permission for the encampment based on the assertion that they are travellers.
Mr Steel said: ‘The planning application is expressly for a ”Traveller site”. There is no evidence in the application before the council that either applicant is currently a Traveller within the meaning of planning policy.
Martin Clunes (pictured) has launched a last ditch attempt to stop his new age hippie neighbours building a traveller site below his hilltop manor house by claiming the couple are not real travellers
Theo Langdon and Ruth McGill (pictured together) submitted a planning application for a permanent site next to the Doc Martin star’s home in Meerhay, Dorset, prompting the actor and his neighbours to object that the site is ‘unsuitable’ and will spoil their view
READ MORE: Martin Clunes says it would be a ‘terrible shame’ if view from his hilltop manor house is ‘spoilt’
‘All that is said in the officer report is that ‘the majority of the applicants travelling is to show and sell items at a variety of fairs/gatherings and or festivals.’
‘This is totally inadequate as no details are given of dates, frequency, location or otherwise.
‘Many persons who live in permanent accommodation carry out the same or similar activities for a living, hobby or pastime, including travelling regularly to agricultural or equestrian shows and events or concerts, fairs and festivals, and cannot possibly be classed as Travellers.
‘Without clear evidence the council would be acting unlawfully to class the applicants as Travellers.’
Mr Clunes, 61, and his TV producer wife, Philippa Braithwaite, 58, bought 130-acre Higher Meerhay Farm near Beaminster from Mr Langton’s mother, the celebrated garden designer Georgia Langton, for £3million in 2007.
Mr Langton and Mrs McGill own 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 mobile home on slabs has no running water or electricity and the couple use a compost toilet.
In 2015, the local council granted the couple a five year temporary licence to live on the site.
That expired in 2020 and they have been living there ever since, but now want to legalise the settlement and turn it into a permanent private residential traveller site, with space for visitors.
Mr Langton and Mrs McGill own a plot of land 300 yards from the Clunes’ property, hidden by trees (Pictured: Google street view of buildings on the plot owned by Mr Langton and Mrs McGill)
Mr Clunes, 61, and his TV producer wife, Philippa Braithwaite, 58, bought 130-acre Higher Meerhay Farm near Beaminster from Mr Langton’s mother (Pictured: The Dorset town of Beaminster, which is overlooked by actor Martin Clunes’ home)
READ MORE: Hippie in planning row could inherit a fortune after his mother ‘sold the actor his 130-acre Dorset farm for £3m’
Mr Steel said in his report that the local council has previously stated the site was unsuitable for permanent development because it is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and lacks basic services.
He argued that granting the application would set a ‘negative and powerful precedent’.
‘The council has consistently made it clear that the site is unsuitable for permanent development and there is no good reason for any different decision as there have been no material changes in circumstance,’ he said.
In his report, council officer Bob Burden cited the general lack of sites for ‘gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople’ in Dorset as a major reason for why it should go ahead.
He said the demand for such pitches has increased in recent years and insisted the development would not harm the natural beauty of the area.
He said: ‘Given the on-going policy and research background of lack of available site options, coupled with the minimal visual impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is considered that the use of this site as a permanent base for this traveller family is acceptable.’
Mr Clunes gave a short comment on the planning row when MailOnline visited his luxury mansion earlier this month.
He said: ‘We are very lucky to have this beautiful view. It would be a terrible shame if it was spoilt. We love living here.’
The Clunes’ first bought a Grade II listed former vicarage in the village of Powerstock, near Bridport, in 2001 before moving into their current home in 2007
The area where the propoesd travellers site is planned, below the home of actor Martin Clunes
As he spoke, he gestured to the floor-to-ceiling picture glass window – measuring two metres by four metres – behind him which overlooks the proposed site and enjoys sweeping views across unspoilt countryside.
Asked to comment specifically on the proposed development, he smiled and said; ‘I am not going to comment on this, thank you.
‘But you are welcome to speak to my neighbour, Mr Langdon, to seek his comments.
‘My understanding is that the proposals are now going to be heard by council committee members.’
Journalists visiting Mr Langdon at his property below Mr Clunes’ house but were greeted by a message written in black marker pen on cardboard, which read: ‘Not reporters, thank you’.
Ms McGill confirmed the couple had ‘no comment’ to make.
Dorset Council’s planning committee is due to meet on Thursday to vote on the matter.
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