Greenway Farm, a popular wedding venue located on Skimmerton Lane near Bridgwater, Somerset, has secured planning permission to expand its accommodation facilities for workers at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
Known for hosting civil ceremonies in its charming wedding barn with seating for up to 60 guests and featuring an on-site restaurant, Greenway Farm is now set to increase its offering by providing additional caravan spaces. Earlier in June 2023, owners Martin and Susan Felstead received approval to place ten caravans on the property, supplementing the five existing units previously leased to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Somerset Council has extended this permission, allowing all 15 caravans to be leased to Hinkley Point staff until at least 2031, with potential for renewal should construction timelines at the power station extend further.
These caravans are strategically located in the western section of the venue’s grounds and are carefully screened from Skimmerton Lane as well as a nearby Shell petrol station, which houses a Budgens store and a Greggs outlet. Since the installation of the first caravans, improvements such as a private waste treatment system and additional tree planting have been implemented to clearly separate the workers’ accommodation area from the wedding venue spaces.
Clive Miller Planning, representing the Felsteads, highlighted the site’s convenience: “Greenway Farm is ideally positioned for Hinkley Point C workers, within easy walking distance of the A39 Quantock Road bus route. The ten existing pitches are consistently fully booked, underscoring strong demand. The venue often has to decline new enquiries from workers seeking affordable accommodations.”
They added that these pitches are especially attractive to workers who own caravans or motorhomes and wish to manage accommodation costs while away from home. This arrangement also helps ease pressure on the local affordable housing market by providing an alternative to private rental properties.
Despite the proximity to commercial activity, including the BP service station, Greenway Farm maintains a calm and rural atmosphere, offering workers peaceful surroundings that help them unwind away from their workplace.
The planning approval was granted by Somerset Council’s planning officers under delegated authority, bypassing the need for public committee review. Greenway Farm is located close to the Centenary Heights development, where over 675 new homes, a primary school, and a community hub are being built by Cavanna Homes South West and Martin Grant Homes.
Additionally, the council is expected to soon decide on a proposal for another 275 homes near the western boundary of Centenary Heights, just a short distance from Greenway Farm. This continued development underscores the area’s growth and the ongoing need for sensible worker accommodation solutions.