A decision is expected in early 2026 regarding the approval of a new campsite located between Taunton and the M5 motorway. The proposed development sits on Dipford Road in Trull parish, roughly halfway between the village center and the Taunton Deane services, near junctions 25 and 26 of the M5.
Anthony Ormerod initially sought permission for the site but was unsuccessful following an appeal in August 2023. The project was revived with collaboration from Cosy Barn Holidays Ltd., who submitted amended proposals maintaining the same number of tent pitches. Somerset Council rejected these plans in September due to environmental concerns.
The latest appeal has been formally lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, which is expected to issue a final ruling by spring 2026. The site is strategically positioned adjacent to Sweethay Lane and close to the Galmington Stream, as well as near a proposed housing development of 130 homes by Trull Cricket Club.
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Key changes in the revised plans include the removal of a permanent amenities building, replaced by a temporary shower and toilet block that would be dismantled outside of the tourist season. Tent pitches are planned to be located centrally on the site, bordered by a newly planted wildflower meadow aimed at enhancing local biodiversity.
To address concerns about water quality, a package treatment plant is proposed near parking off Dipford Road, designed to treat wastewater and reduce phosphate output into the Galmington Stream. Despite these measures, Somerset Council’s chief planning officer, Alison Blom-Cooper, stated that the application was refused because it failed to provide “sufficiently robust technical information” to ensure a net reduction in phosphate levels on the surrounding Somerset Levels and Moors.
Blom-Cooper emphasized the council’s constructive efforts, noting, “We have worked in a positive and creative way with the applicants and have looked for solutions to enable the grant of planning permission. However, in this case, they were unable to satisfy this key policy test.”
Members of the public can submit representations to the Planning Inspectorate by January 19 using case number 3376775. The appeal will proceed through written submissions rather than an in-person hearing. The appointed inspector will conduct a site visit before making their final decision.
As of now, the developers have not indicated whether they intend to request that the council cover legal costs, which can be awarded if unreasonable behaviour is demonstrated during the process.