Plans to establish a new travellers’ site between Bridgwater and Highbridge have been officially refused due to significant flood risk concerns.
John Paul Dolan submitted an application in December 2024 seeking permission to develop two traveller pitches with accompanying day rooms at Halcyon on Red Lane, located in the small village of Stretcholt, roughly midway between the two towns.
However, Somerset Council denied the planning application in December 2025. Mr Dolan subsequently appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, but the appointed inspector, Jonathan Edwards, has upheld the council’s decision. Edwards determined that the proposed development would be severely threatened by flooding, putting future residents at substantial risk.
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The intended site is situated at the southern edge of Stretcholt, near the Brick Yard Rhyne and adjacent agricultural buildings. Plans included replacing an existing septic tank with a package treatment plant to serve the pitches. Importantly, the Environment Agency classifies this area as flood zone 3a, indicating the highest level of flood risk.
During his site visit on February 24, Mr Edwards observed that one mobile home and day room were already occupied by Mr Dolan and his family, including children. The second pitch, currently vacant, was planned for other relatives currently living on an overcrowded site elsewhere in the country.
In his final report released before the Somerset Council’s north planning committee meeting on April 14, Edwards emphasized the location’s susceptibility to flooding. He highlighted the close proximity to the rhyne, which contained a substantial water level during his visit, and the nearby River Parrett.
The Sedgemoor Local Plan, effective through 2032, prioritizes development in low flood-risk areas. It requires applicants to pass a “sequential test” demonstrating that no safer alternative sites are available. Mr Dolan’s own search evaluated 49 sites across the former Sedgemoor region, identifying only six of appropriate size. These were ruled out due to existing dwelling permissions, similar flood risks, or physical limitations.
Edwards acknowledged the council’s recognition of the shortage of gypsy and traveller sites but maintained: “Highly vulnerable development within flood zone 3a should not be permitted.” He concluded firmly that the appeal should be refused.
While the Environment Agency noted the site is unlikely to face immediate coastal or tidal flooding—thanks in part to the ongoing construction of the Bridgwater tidal barrier—Edwards pointed out a lack of detailed information on local flood defenses and expressed uncertainty about the ability to evacuate residents safely in the event of a flood.
Although the mobile homes would be elevated 600mm above ground level, Edwards asserted that such measures would be insufficient to prevent flooding. If a tidal flood event occurred, homes and belongings would almost certainly be inundated.
When contacted, Mr Dolan declined to comment on the inspector’s decision.