Overview
- The area planning committee backed the application in a 7–2 vote after hearing officer advice on screening and limited impact on neighbours.
- Permission covers two residential caravans and a workshop for Theo Langton and Ruth McGill only, with all structures to be removed within four months if they leave.
- Support came from Beaminster Town Council, the ward councillor, Dorset Council’s gypsy and traveller officers, and the local church, alongside 47 letters endorsing the off‑grid, sustainable setup.
- Objectors including Martin Clunes disputed the couple’s traveller status, while counsel John Steel KC cited earlier refusals, alleged unauthorised building, and warned of planning precedent concerns.
- Councillors noted the application includes small‑scale craft work, though some sought a separate business bid, and a prior flood‑risk deferral in 2025 was resolved by an assessment finding no significant surface‑water threat.