Caravans situated at a holiday site in Somerset will be allowed to stay permanently despite earlier concerns over coastal erosion.
The Anchor’s Drop accommodation, located on B3191 Cleeve Hill near Blue Anchor village, Watchet, is managed by Councillor Marcus Kravis alongside Councillor Cara Strom, both of whom serve the Dunster division.
In May 2022, Mr. Kravis obtained retrospective planning permission from Somerset West and Taunton Council to place six caravans adjacent to Anchor’s Drop, with an initial condition requiring their removal within five years due to erosion risks on this stretch of the west Somerset coast.
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However, the situation improved significantly after Somerset Council invested £3.7 million in coastal defenses at Blue Anchor. Granite rock armor was installed at the cliff base, effectively protecting both Anchor’s Drop and the nearby B3191 road.
Following these measures, the council’s west planning committee has unanimously approved the permanent retention of the caravans, concluding that the immediate threat to residents and visitors has been adequately mitigated.
Transparency was maintained throughout the process, with all planning applications involving serving councillors, including Mr. Kravis, being publicly discussed and decided by the relevant committee.
Mr. Kravis addressed the committee in Taunton, emphasizing that the proposal did not seek to change or expand the existing development. He highlighted the positive impact of the completed coastal defenses on the site’s viability, stating that a fixed time limit on caravan occupation would hinder long-term planning, investment, and sustainability. He further expressed concerns that uncertainty could discourage potential inward investment.
Anchor’s Drop has been active in pursuing various improvements over recent years. In May 2024, Mr. Kravis won planning permission on appeal to install solar panels on the building’s roof. Meanwhile, Ms. Strom received approval earlier in 2024 to reconfigure the former pub to add holiday accommodations and in 2025 for converting part of the premises into a shop.
Some councillors expressed caution about future erosion risks. Councillor Gwilym Wren noted that although the rock armor primarily protects the road rather than the property, it reduces immediate erosion concerns. However, he acknowledged that soft cliffs beyond the armor remain vulnerable and recommended a future review should significant erosion occur.
Others, like Councillor Derek Perry, highlighted that beyond planning permissions, there are regulatory mechanisms such as health and safety laws that could enforce caravan removal if necessary. Councillor Mandy Chilcott agreed that while tidal threats have lessened, land-based risks persist, but any urgent evacuation would be swiftly managed.
After about thirty minutes of discussion, the planning committee voted unanimously in favor of allowing the caravans to remain permanently, balancing economic interests with ongoing vigilance toward coastal safety.