Somerset wedding venue to house Hinkley Point C workers

All 15 caravans on the grounds are to be let out to nuclear power plant workers until 2031

A Somerset wedding venue has been granted planning permission to house extra workers from Hinkley Point C on its premises.

Greenway Farm, on Skimmerton Lane on the western outskirts of Bridgwater, can host up to 60 guests for civil ceremonies in its wedding barn, and also features a restaurant area.

Owners Martin and Susan Felstead obtained planning permission in June 2023 to position 10 caravans on the site for those working at the nuclear power station, in addition to five already let out to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Somerset Council has now given the green light for all 15 caravans to be rented out to Hinkley Point staff until 2031 – although this timeframe could be extended should construction experience any further setbacks.

The caravans are positioned in the western section of the venue’s grounds, well shielded from both Skimmerton Lane and the nearby Shell petrol station, which houses a Budgens store and Greggs outlet.

Since the initial caravans were installed, a private waste treatment facility has been established and additional trees planted to further separate the campsite from the rest of the wedding venue.

A spokesperson for Clive Miller Planning (representing the Felsteads) said: “The site is well positioned for Hinkley Point C workers, being within walking distance of the bus service which runs along the A39 Quantock Road to the South West of the site.

“Occupancy of the 10 pitches on the site currently allocated on the site has been consistently high. These pitches are currently full and there is further strong demand for more pitches for workers.

“At the moment, the owners of Greenway Farm are having to turn new Hinkley Point C workers away when they enquire about such a provision.

“These pitches are highly appealing to Hinkley Point staff who have their own caravans or motor-homes, are working away from home and wish to keep”

“This also reduces the impact on the local affordable housing provision by providing an alternative choice to the local private rental sector.

“Despite the presence of the BP service station, the Greenway Farm site is relatively quiet, rural and provides the ability for workers to separate themselves from their colleagues when not at work.”

The proposals were granted approval by the council’s planning officers using their delegated powers, bypassing a public ruling by its planning committee north, which oversees major applications within the former Sedgemoor area.

Greenway Farm sits within walking distance of the Centenary Heights development to the north of Quantock Road, where Cavanna Homes South West and Martin Grant Homes are jointly delivering 675 new homes, a primary school and community hub.

The council is expected to reach a verdict imminently on proposals for a further 275 homes at the western edge of the site, just yards from the boundary with Greenway Farm.