Caravans at a holiday site in Somerset will now be allowed to remain permanently despite earlier concerns over coastal erosion threatening the area. The Anchor’s Drop accommodation, located in the small village of Blue Anchor near Watchet, has been at the center of planning debates due to its proximity to the eroding coastline.
Councillor Marcus Kravis, who manages Anchor’s Drop alongside his partner Councillor Cara Strom, secured retrospective planning permission in May 2022 from Somerset West and Taunton Council to site six caravans along the B3191 Cleeve Hill adjacent to Anchor’s Drop. Originally, this permission was time-limited to five years because of fears that coastal erosion could compromise the site’s safety.
Since then, Somerset Council invested £3.7 million in a robust coastal defence scheme at Blue Anchor. This involved installing granite rock armour at the base of the cliffs, significantly reducing erosion risk to both the caravans and the adjacent highway towards Watchet.
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Following the completion of these protective works, the council’s planning committee unanimously ruled that the six caravans could remain on-site indefinitely. Members cited the lowered risk to residents and tourists thanks to the new defences. The committee’s decision reflects a transparent process mandated for planning applications involving serving councillors or officers.
Addressing the committee in Taunton, Councillor Kravis emphasized the importance of removing any fixed time constraints. He explained that such restrictions stifle investment and sustainable business growth by creating uncertainty. “The continuation of a fixed-year time limit would significantly undermine the long-term viability and sustainability of this business,” he stated.
The Anchor’s Drop site has seen multiple recent planning approvals, including installation of solar panels on the roof, reconfiguration of the former pub into additional holiday accommodation, and conversion of part of the business into a shop—reflecting ongoing investment and development in the area.
Some councillors remain cautious. Independent Councillor Gwilym Wren highlighted ongoing concerns about cliff erosion despite the defences, noting that granite armour primarily protects the road, and erosion risks may persist on adjacent softer cliffs. He suggested future reviews to reassess caravan siting if erosion worsens.
Other members, including Councillor Derek Perry and Conservative Councillor Mandy Chilcott, reassured that mechanisms beyond planning permissions, such as health and safety regulations, would address any future risks. They emphasized that the site’s management is prepared to act swiftly if further erosion threatens caravan safety.
After a thorough debate, the committee approved the plans unanimously, ensuring that the caravans at Blue Anchor can remain a long-term holiday attraction while balancing environmental and safety considerations.