Caravan bid offers new hope to farming family

By dnichols

FOR 40 years Wearne Farm near Langport was a hive of activity for the Cook family as they sold animals at local markets.

But when farmer John Cook lost his battle with leukaemia in 2008, it left his wife Margaret, 66, unable to continue the family business.

Since then, the village farm has become largely unused as the pensioner retired from farming life.

But in a bid to diversify her business and make use of the empty barns, Margaret is to store caravans at the site.

On Wednesday last week the grandmother was given permission by South Somerset District Council to keep up to ten towing caravans.

She had gained support from parish councillors and planning officer Lee Walton, despite concerns from the county council highways department about the poor road network around the farm. Mrs Cook argued that when the farm was active, attending markets and receiving deliveries, more vehicles would have arrived and left than will do this year if her business idea takes off.

She said: "I am very pleased with the decision. We have been at the farm for about 40 years and used to have beef cattle, pigs and sheep.

"We are always being encouraged to diversify the business and this is going to make use of the empty buildings. Not much has to be done to accommodate the caravans, but I won't look to start work until later this year as people have places to keep their caravans at the moment."

Members of the area north committee unanimously approved her plans. Ward member Rupert Cox said: "We are not talking about huge amounts of traffic. As I understand it people come and collect their caravans from Mrs Cook at Easter, go on their holidays and don't return until September.

"Permission is only for a maximum of ten caravans. I have no hesitation in recommending approval."