A Somerset farmer’s attempt to place 36 shipping containers near the River Brue has been denied by Somerset Council. Alan King submitted the proposal in November 2023 to locate the containers at Brue Farm on Hulk Moor Drove in Street, just yards from the river dividing Street and Glastonbury.
Mr. King argued that the farm may soon become economically unviable and that using the land for container storage was a sensible diversification strategy to generate additional income.
However, the council opposed the plan, citing concerns that the containers would introduce an industrial and urbanized appearance into the narrow strip of open countryside between the two settlements. They deemed the development unsuitable for the area’s rural character.
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Brue Farm, spanning approximately 50 hectares (around 124 acres or 70 football pitches), is south of Hulk Moor Drove near the A39 The Causeway—the main route linking Glastonbury and Street. Traditionally farmed by the King family, the farm faces financial pressure, which prompted this and a previous similar application. In December 2021, Mr. King’s request to store up to 77 containers was also refused.
Representatives for Terraqueous Ltd., acting on behalf of the King family, highlighted that although the existing farm buildings remain operational, they are underused, and the farmyard is larger than necessary for current agricultural activity. They stressed that the farm’s size makes substantial investments for modernization difficult and emphasized the need to explore diversification to maintain viability. Their market research suggests there is strong local demand for storage units.
Currently, 21 containers are already stored on the site as part of a trial, making the latest application partially retrospective. The plan also included erecting a 2.2-metre-high security fence.
The refusal was issued by planning officers using delegated authority rather than by a public committee decision. Alison Blom-Cooper, the chief planning officer, outlined three specific reasons for refusal: the development does not meet the criteria for building in open countryside; the industrial design conflicts with the rural landscape of the River Brue corridor; and the increased activity would negatively impact nearby residents.
To date, Mr. King has not disclosed if he will appeal the council’s ruling.