Somerset Council rejects travellers' site plans over flood risk
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:32 · Archive
Somerset Council has refused planning permission for a travellers' site in Stretcholt, citing severe flood vulnerability.
Somerset Council has turned down a fresh planning application for a travellers' site in the village of Stretcholt, between Bridgwater and Highbridge. John Paul Dolan applied in December 2024 to create two traveller pitches with day rooms at Halcyon on Red Lane, close to Sedgemoor Crematorium. When the council initially refused the application in December 2025, the Planning Inspectorate upheld the decision in April, with inspector Jonathan Edwards ruling the new homes would be 'swamped by water' in a flood.
Dolan resubmitted his partially retrospective plans in mid-August with a revised flood risk assessment arguing the site would provide safe accommodation for him, his wife, three children, his sister's family of four, and his sister's husband. He works locally and travels for horse trading as part of his cultural heritage. The proposed site at the southern end of Stretcholt would sit near the Brick Yard Rhyne and agricultural buildings, with a treatment plant replacing an existing septic tank.
Somerset Council rejected the new application, contending the location remains 'highly vulnerable' to flooding despite the mitigation measures proposed. A spokesperson for Stokes Morgan Planning, representing the applicant, said the family had long-standing links to the Somerset area.
How it is being reported
- New bid for travellers’ site near Somerset crematorium failsIt was argued the site remains "highly vulnerable" to floodingSomersetLive · 16 Oct, 06:00
- New bid for travellers' site near Somerset crematorium failsJohn Paul Dolan has failed in his latest attempt to secure permission for travellers' pitches to house him and his extended familyBridgwater Mercury · 15 Oct, 16:00
In this story: John Paul Dolan · Somerset Council · Stretcholt · Sedgemoor Crematorium · Planning Inspectorate · Jonathan Edwards · Stokes Morgan Planning
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