Santa's Grotto Frome faces eviction because of planning permission row

A Santa Claus is facing eviction from his Christmas Grotto - in a row with the council over planning permission.

'Santa's Grotto Frome' has provided families and children a meeting with Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and the elves for six years. They set up at a new site this year, which consists of two small wooden buildings located within Critchill Manor Estate in the Somerset town. But they say Somerset Council has threatened 'enforcement' to take the buildings down.

They applied for planning permission in April which was rejected by the council in July due to 'sustainability concerns' over the lack of public transport. They said planning officers at Somerset Council have rejected the planning permission 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 is against 'planning policy'.

The application itself does have the backing of the local parish council and local councillors. The grotto buildings were built onsite despite not obtaining planning permission, and a follow-up application on the decision will be voted on by Somerset Council this week. If this is not successful, they then have one last appeal opportunity.

Craig Gillett, 61, who is Santa at the Grotto alongside his sister 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 is heartbreaking."

Santa's Grotto Frome consists of Craig, his sister Clare Perry, 59, as well as Gordon Perry, 57, Craig's brother-in-law. The family were searching for a new site this year when they were approached by landowners of the 186-acres Critchill Manor Estate.

Santa's Grotto Frome is not the only community business operating on the space, however, as it is also home to numerous other trades including a cafe and the local Frome Youth football team.