A Somerset farmer, Alan King, has been refused permission to place up to 36 shipping containers near the River Brue at Brue Farm in Street. His application, submitted in November 2023, aimed to diversify the use of his agricultural land amid concerns about the farm’s future viability.
Brue Farm, located on Hulk Moor Drove just south of the A39 The Causeway, lies within a narrow green corridor separating Street from Glastonbury. The King family operates the 50-hectare (approximately 124 acres) farm traditionally, but financial pressures have prompted efforts to explore alternative income sources.
Mr. King argued that the installation of shipping containers would be a practical way to generate revenue as the farm’s viability declines. He highlighted existing underused farm buildings and noted local demand for storage units. Currently, 21 containers are already on site as a trial, with plans to add a 2.2-metre security fence alongside the new installation.
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However, Somerset Council’s planning officers rejected the application, citing three key reasons. They determined that the proposed development was inappropriate for the open countryside setting, would introduce an industrial appearance incompatible with the riverside environment, and would worsen conditions for nearby residents due to increased activity onsite.
This is not the first time Mr. King has faced refusal; in 2021, an application to store 77 containers at the site was also denied. The council’s chief planning officer, Alison Blom-Cooper, confirmed that the container installation conflicted with planning policies protecting rural character and community wellbeing.
At this stage, Mr. King has not announced any intention to appeal the decision.