WHAT'S UP, DOC?
Martin Clunes in war with ‘cynical & dishonest’ traveller neighbours who pitched static caravan 300 yards from home
Pictures reveal how close the caravan is to Martin's £3million house
ACTOR Martin Clunes has become embroiled in a bitter feud with neighbours after they pitched a static caravan just yards from his home.
The Men Behaving Badly star, 62, allegedly slammed the traveller residents as he continues his fight to have the site cleared.
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The caravan sits just 300ft from the actor's 130-acre Dorset farm and is inhabited by self-styled 'new age travellers' Theo Langton and Ruth McGill.
The couple's plans have been recommended for approval by Beaminster town council.
Clunes has since sent the local planning authority a furious email where he labelled Theo and Ruth's plans as "cynical and dishonest" by describing their home as "mobile", .
He added that the plot would intrude on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Langton and McGill have lived on a woodland plot for just over two decades without running water and electricity - and have received licenses to remain on the site.
During that time, they have reportedly integrated with the local community and are popular with locals.
Two years ago, they applied for permanent permission to remain there by having the plot recognised as a travellers' site - comprising space for their 45ft long 'mobile' home as well as added space for visiting caravans.
Government policy states that a travellers' site should have enough room for mobile homes, caravans and utility buildings such as parking.
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According to its original definition, mobile homes should be able to be divided in two and put on the back of a 40ft trailer if needed.
"To rely on the findings as evidence that the structure is a mobile home is an attempt to distort the definition of the guidelines," Clunes fumed.
I ditched my ‘depressing’ concrete council house to live on a permanent caravan pitch and now rent is just £90 a week
"It is my belief that this building lacks any ability to be mobile and was not constructed with any intention of mobility and to describe it as a mobile home is cynical and dishonest.
"The use on a temporary or permanent basis remains inappropriate."
The plans have divided opinion amongst locals.
"I can't imagine how it must feel for them to have their home so precariously balanced due to the opinion of a neighbour," local Emma Gale said.
Resident Betty Billington doubled down: "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."
Others have sided with the celebrated actor.
"Many people in Dorset would love to develop their own land to accommodate their own families but come up against strict planning permission especially in AONBs," Dinah Clarke, who lives at nearby Meerhay Manor, said.
"Mr Langton has questionable New Age Traveller status and should therefore be subject to the same planning rules as anyone else seeking to develop their own land."
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Dorset Council has not yet set a date for when members will meet to vote on the planning application.
The Sun has reached out to Dorset Council and Martin Clunes' agent for comment.
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
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