The planning application for Underbarrow Farm in Priddy is now live. The proposal is for stables for seven horses, an open sided barn and a variation to the agricultural occupancy of the bungalow, which currently has an agricultural tie.

There are three weeks for consultation and anyone with any comments in support or in objection needs to ACT NOW. The Planning Officer is Oliver Marigold. You can email him here: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Planning Application reference is 2010/2667. The official cut off date is DECEMBER 27th 2010. While an application for stables may appear to be innocuous, there has been a concerning pattern of ‘change of use applications’ following on from previous initially innocuous proposals by the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt. One of the concerns is that if Mrs Yeoman gains permission for stables and the open sided barn, that the ‘open sided barn’ could then become the basis for new foxhound kennels.

The hunt currently runs 78 adult foxhounds and it also breeds several litters of hounds each year. A CANINE supporter contacted Mrs Yeoman and requested that a covenant was placed on the property excluding its use for ‘dogs en masse’, this was refused immediately and outright.

In light of this refusal and the lack of communication with local residents, some CANINE supporters feel that if permission for the stables is granted now, then the hounds and the controversial flesh house will follow. The hunt however insists that it wants to sell UBF and by gaining planning permission for stables it will make it easier, and probably more lucrative to sell. Please take a look at the plans - The size of the development is huge.

CANINE was set up to look at the impact and implications of the foxhounds and the flesh house. The associated horses and stabling were not deemed to be a huge issue and indeed had the hunt or anyone else submitted a proposal for just horses and stabling three years ago, few eyebrows would have been raised.

CANINE would like to see the hunt establish a permanent home in a suitable location similar to its previous site at Plummers Lane in Priddy. The majority feel that objecting to stables and horses does not meet the desire of the local community. It also feels that should the hunt be planning to 'sneak the hounds in later' that this would cause local uproar and objection from all quarters, which is not in anyone's interest. If the latter does occur CANINE will act accordingly.

After much discussion and deliberation a preliminary meeting of some CANINE campaigners has therefore decided not to submit an objection to this proposal. CANINE will not be objecting. While there still remains some concerns over potential impact to the SSSi/AONB and local area, as well as some planning issues, it feels that these will be addressed adequately by the planners.

This decision means that individuals need to draw your own conclusions and follow your own decision as to whether to object or support this planning application. If you need advice, or have any strong views on the matter please contact CANINE via the website.

If you have no issues with the planning application as it stands, it still might be worth writing to the planners stating that while you have few concerns regarding the current proposal (and outlining any you do have) that this is with the proviso that a pack of hounds are never housed on this site.