Martin Clunes ramps up his war with ‘dishonest’ hippie neighbours who pitched static caravan 300 yards from home
A BITTER row between actor Martin Clunes and his neighbours has ramped up after a static caravan sparked fury.
The TV star, 63, became embroiled in a dispute with “dishonest” traveller residents who pitched up just 300 yards from his 130-acre Dorset farm.
New Age Travellers Theo Langton and Ruth McGill have been bidding to turn an area of woodland into an official travellers’ site for two years.
They have their own static caravan on the land, a stones throw away from Mr Clunes’ £5million home, already.
The land is around 300 yards from the £5million farmhouse where the Doc Martin star lives with wife Philippa Braithwaite.
Theo and Ruth submitted their plans, which have been recommended for approval by Beaminster town council.
In fierce opposition, Mr Clunes sent the local planning authority an email in which he branded the plans “cynical and dishonest”, describing their home as “mobile”, according to MailOnline.
The acting icon also brought into question whether Ruth and Theo are legitimate travellers – which would affect their right to have a site there.
Mr Clunes’ barrister has now slammed the couple and claimed they failed to prove they travel to make a living.
Under planning law, travellers are required to leave their main base to travel for their livelihood.
But the pair say they do go around to different fairs and festivals during the summer selling hand-made products.
They submitted expert evidence from Dr Simon Rushton, a chartered town planner who has worked on traveller planning disputed for 15 years.
Dr Rushton stated: “I have reached the view that their travelling linked to their livelihood is sufficiently well-established to demonstrate that they have acquired a nomadic habit of life.
“They are travellers for the purposes of planning policy.”
But the Clunes’ barrister, John Steel KC, argued to Dorset Council: “The applicants must prove that there is an economic connection between the travelling and the means whereby the persons concerned make or seek their livelihood.
“They rely on very few facts. The sole one which is quantified is that they state that they travel each year in their vehicle to between 9-10 festivals and fairs in the UK, and five over two months in Portugal and Spain.
“However, there is no quantitative economic information whatsoever provided by the applicants including where, how and what income is obtained to support their livelihood.
“The facts of this case lead to the clear conclusion that they cannot be within the definition of gypsies and travellers.”
Mr Clunes and his wife Philippa Braithwaite bought Meerhay Farm near Beaminster, Dorset in 2007.
They acquired it from Theo’s mum, the landscape gardener Georgia Langton.
Meanwhile Theo snapped up the plot next door from his mother and has lived in 45ft by 16ft static caravan for 21 years.
He has a rolling temporary licence granted by the local council.
Theo and Ruth live without running water and electricity.
But the couple want to make it a proper, permanent site, with two additional spaces for mobile homes.
Government policy defines a travellers’ site as having space for mobile homes, caravans and utility buildings.
The definition for a mobile home is that a structure can be divided into two parts and picked up and moved on the back of a 40ft trailer.
Mr Clunes previously slammed his neighbours for “cynically distorting” these rules, by claiming their home could be moved.
He also argued Theo and Ruth are causing hard to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Mr Clunes’ barrister added: “The position is the same – the development is unlawful and unacceptable in planning terms.”
But Theo and Ruth have been backed by other locals, who have written supportive letters.
Neighbour Paul Brader said: “They should not have to go through the stress and worry of having to re-apply every few years, it is nonsensical when they have been there for so long and without causing any problems to anyone else.”
Nearby resident Betty Billington added: “The main objector (Mr Clunes) bought his property knowing that this family already occupied the land for residential use.
“The couple are classed as Travellers for planning purposes as per government ruling, they regularly go travelling for work, as they have always done for many years.
“I can see no reason why they should not be able to carry on living on the land which is causing no problem to anyone.”
Beaminster Town Council has also told Dorset Council the couple’s application for permanent travellers’ site should be approved.
A Dorset Council planning officer has recommended it be approved.
The planning committee are set to decide at a future date.
RULES ON CONVERTING STATIC CARAVANS
Planning permission is required for placing a static caravan or a luxury lodge on land UNLESS it is being used as ancillary accommodation for a house, such as for a dependent relative or holiday accommodation for visiting family members.
It is best to check with your local planning authority to determine the specific laws and regulations in your area, as you may be subject to additional restrictions if you live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or conservation area, for example.
Source: UK Caravan Centre