The future of South Somerset’s carnival scene is set to improve with the approval of plans for a new facility dedicated to constructing and storing carnival carts. This development offers a much-needed solution to the ongoing struggle carnival clubs have faced in securing permanent bases.
The South Somerset Carnival circuit includes the towns of Chard, Ilminster, Taunton, and Wellington, whose participants also join the wider Guy Fawkes Circuit comprising Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Glastonbury, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Weston-Super-Mare. These carnival clubs have long been hindered by the lack of adequate space to build and store their elaborate carts.
Somerset Council recently granted permission for a new construction and storage facility near Ilminster on Longforward Lane in the hamlet of Kingstone. Situated between Ilminster and Seavington St. Mary, just south of the A303, the site is part of the Dillington Estate. The facility will accommodate five different carnival clubs, mirroring existing setups such as those on Bristol Road in Bridgwater and Common Moor Drove in Glastonbury.
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This approval follows a previous decision by South Somerset District Council in April 2022, which was later overturned by the High Court due to legal issues involving votes by council members with conflicts of interest. The judicial review, requested by CPRE Somerset, highlighted procedural errors in the earlier approval.
Opposition voices remain concerned about the potential impact on the rural character of the area. Hugh Williams, chair of CPRE Somerset, argued that the site does not meet local planning criteria for industrial use and questioned the necessity of a large facility in an isolated rural community, pointing out the availability of alternative sites. David Gordon, a former Ilminster representative on Somerset County Council, warned the development could damage the area’s natural beauty and expressed concern over the building’s long-term fate should carnival clubs relocate.
On the other hand, supporters emphasize the cultural significance of the carnivals. Barry Crabb of the South Somerset Carnival Park Committee highlighted the tradition’s social and economic contributions, describing carnival as a vital community connector that perseveres despite challenges. Kim Toms, joint chair of the committee, reinforced the importance of sustaining this century-old tradition and stressed the urgent need for proper facilities.
Local councillors acknowledged both sides but ultimately supported the plans. Councillor Peter Seib noted that legal grounds to oppose the project were lacking and believed the impact on traffic and environment would be manageable. Councillor Mike Best expressed continued confidence in the carnival community’s ability to handle logistics responsibly.
After approximately 45 minutes of debate, the planning committee approved the proposal by six votes to two, with one abstention, providing renewed hope for South Somerset’s cherished winter carnival tradition.