Santa faces eviction just three weeks before the big day
Santa Claus is facing eviction from his Christmas grotto due to a row with the council over planning permission.
Santa’s Grotto in Frome, Somerset, has helped families and children meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus, and the elves for six years.
The festive favourite was set up at a new site this year, which consists of two small wooden buildings located in Critchill Manor Estate – but the Somerset Council has threatened ‘enforcement’ to take down the buildings.
The grotto applied for planning permission in April but it was rejected by the council in July due to ‘sustainability concerns’ over the lack of public transport.
Planning officers at Somerset Council rejected the application on the basis that the grotto is in a rural location with no public transport links – meaning people would have to rely on private cars to get there – which they say is against ‘planning policy’.
The application was backed by the local parish council and other councillors, so the grotto buildings were built onsite despite not obtaining planning permission.
A follow-up application on the decision will be voted on by Somerset Council this week, but if it is not successful, Santa only has one last appeal opportunity.
Craig Gillett, 61, who is Santa at the grotto alongside his sister, Clare, 59, who plays Mrs Claus, said: ‘It is so frustrating.
‘We try and give back to the community for their support – it’s all about giving some fun and joy in people’s lives at the moment.
‘There is so much bad and sad news on all the time – to have children’s innocent faces beaming at you, looking at this character that brings so much happiness.
‘To have that taken away by one council officer who has not even seen the site and doesn’t even live nearby is heartbreaking.’
The team behind Santa’s Grotto in Frome consists of Craig, his sister as well as Gordon Perry, 57, Craig’s brother-in-law.
The family were searching for a new site earlier this year when they were approached by landowners, who run the 186 acres of Critchill Manor Estate.
Other businesses already operate on the estate’s land, including a cafe and the local youth football team – both of which see cars come and go often.
Craig said: ‘The football team alone regularly has over 300 cars there supporting their teams and events.
‘The council states our Grotto is not sustainable because there is no public transport to get to the site – but you wouldn’t go on a bus to a golf club.’
Santa’s Grotto uses a booking system, meaning they only see six cars per hour on average.
He added: ‘Our six little cars have very little, if any, impact whatsoever especially as some will be electric.’
And the grotto is fully booked until Christmas, as Craig argues their business supports the local community in more ways than one.
He explained: ‘We support local businesses and employ local people as our elves at a time when people need a little extra.
‘We have visitors from all over the country – people come from London and Bournemouth to visit, and they bring trade to the community too.’
Santa’s Grotto also holds free sessions for vulnerable children and people in care homes, Craig said.
He said: ‘We had a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer, she fought through and is coming back for free visits as an honorary elf!’
A spokesperson for Somerset Council stated: ‘The Council’s Enforcement Team are aware of the unauthorised development and are awaiting the Planning Committee’s decision on the application before determining whether or not any further action is required.’
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