PERMISSION to retain a log cabin in a field near Skilgate used by farm-workers for overnight stays during calving and other agricultural emergencies, has been turned down by Somerset West and Taunton planners.

Mr P Govier of GPG Developments had made a detailed application for the permanent siting and retention of the log cabin at Kimmins Moor, Frogwell Cross, Skilgate, for accommodation for farm-workers and occasional recreational purposes.

The application was opposed by Skilgate parish meeting on the grounds that the cabin appeared to be a permanent fixture and that the grounds for supporting the proposal were “somewhat weak.”

But the meeting agreed that it would reconsider its decision should further evidence or justification be supplied by the applicant.

Alison Blom-Cooper, district council assistant director, strategic place planning, said that permission had been refused for the log cabin because the applicant had failed to demonstrate that the location was essential for a rural worker engaged in agriculture and was therefore contrary to Open Countryside Development of the West Somerset Local Plan.

She said the application was for the retention of the siting of a timber log cabin to continue to be used for farm workers, and for private recreational use by the applicant and their family on land at Kimmins Moor, Skilgate.

For the applicant, planning consultant Mrs Stacey Bosley said the log cabin was in a field which had agricultural status which was well obscured from view of the public.

It provided single storey traditional style open plan accommodation and was on metal skids, which mean that it was moveable.

“The applicant has been using the cabin as occasional ‘over-night’ accommodation during times when stock needs to be observed closely in the neighbouring fields, for instance, calving. The cabin is also occasionally used for private recreational purposes.”

Mrs Bosley said the application sought retrospective planning permission for the siting of the cabin, which would not generate significant additional traffic movements over minor roads.

The unit had already been sited, very limited ground engineering works carried out and the existing access utilised. Therefore, the character of the area would be preserved absolutely.

Mrs Bosley added that the proposal sought to retain a self-contained open plan log cabin. The unit briefly comprises accommodation including an open plan kitchen and living and sleeping areas.

“The existing field access is adequate for use. The applicant will predominantly walk to the site or use farm machinery i.e. a tractor. The proposal has minimal impact which would be unacceptable to the character or amenities in the open countryside.”

Skilgate parish meeting said in a report that they had met twice at the request of the applicant to determine whether support could be given to the application.

“While the applicant’s principle aim of siting the cabin/shepherds hut is in the interest of reducing its visual impact for the community, we find the justification for this as a permanent development somewhat weak.

“The applicant’s home and farmstead is no more than half a mile from the proposed new development and it takes little time to commute between the two locations by vehicle or quad bike.

“There is also a large barn in the field just above the new proposed development, which was erected two years ago to house a handling system for stock.

“The parish meeting therefore has difficulty in reaching the conclusion that the siting of further additional and permanent accommodation so close to the barn and farmstead, be it for human or livestock use, would be necessary and fails to comply with planning policy.

“As a result, it objects to the application at this time. However, we will happily reconsider our decision should further evidence or justification be supplied by the applicant.”