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11 months ago
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A Christmas Grotto that has charmed families for six years is under threat after the council refused it planning permission on grounds of sustainability.
Santa's Grotto Frome is hosted by a 'Santa Claus' and 'Mrs Claus', as they show children around two Christmas-filled cabins accompanied by their elves.
Since moving to a new site at Critchill Manor Estate in April, the business has been mired in the planning process with Somerset Council.
In July, the council refused it permission due to concerns at lack of the public transport to access the site's rural location, which requires the use of private cars.
Now, the festive attraction - which was built with a £22,000 loan - is facing potential 'enforcement' action from the local authority.
Craig Gillett, 61, who plays Santa at the Grotto alongside his sister Clare Perry, 59, who acts as 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'
Santa's Grotto Frome are 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
Another planning application is due to be decided upon by the council today. If this fails, the business has one more chance through an appeal process - allowing enough time for this year's Grotto to go ahead
Craig Gillett, 61, as Santa, runs Santa's Grotto Frome alongside his sister Clare Perry, 59, as Mrs Claus
The business brought Christmas cheer at a new site this year, which consists of two small wooden buildings located within Critchill Manor Estate, in Frome
Somerset Council have threatened 'enforcement' to take the buildings down after planning permission was ejected in July. The council is to consider another application today
Santa's Grotto Frome has provided families and children a meeting with Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and the elves, for six years. Pictured: Elves Bindi (Tracey) and Mouse (Lydia)
Outside of the festive season, Mr Gillett and his family had planned to let the grotto be used as storage by the football team
Craig Gillett, 61, who plays Santa at the Grotto alongside his sister, who acts as 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 that has not even seen the site and doesn't even live nearby, is heartbreaking.'
Santa's Grotto Frome consists of Mr Gillett, 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 owns the 186 acres of 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.
Outside of the festive season, Mr Gillett and his family had planned to let the grotto be used as storage by the football team.
Mr Gillett said: 'There is trading already on the existing site.
'The football team alone regularly have over 300 cars there supporting their teams and events.
'The council state 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.
'We support local business and employ local people as our elves at a time when people need a little extra.
Mr Gillett (pictured as Santa alongside his sister as Mrs Claus) said: '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'
According to Mr Gillett, there is trading already on the existing site. 'The football team alone regularly have over 300 cars there supporting their teams and events'
The family were searching for a new site this year when they were approached by landowners owns the 186 acres of Critchill Manor Estate. Pictured: Elves Bindi (Tracey) and Mouse (Lydia) who work at the grotto
Mr Gillett said: 'We have visitors from all over the country - people come from London and Bournemouth to visit, and they bring trade to the community too'
The two log cabins were erected earlier this year after the business took out a £20,000 loan
Mr Gilllet (pictured as Santa Claus, with his sister and a young visitor) added: 'Even if rejected, this year's Grotto remains safe as we have one remaining appeal we can lodge. 'However, our fate for next year and beyond lies in the hands of the Taunton-based council'
The fate of the grotto, which is booked for every weekend until Christmas, will be decided by a council planning committee today
'We have visitors from all over the country - people come from London and Bournemouth to visit, and they bring trade to the community too.
'We hold free sessions for vulnerable children, people in care homes.
'We had a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer, she fought through and is coming back for free visits as an honorary elf!'
Another planning application is due to be decided upon by the council today. If this fails, the business has one more throw of the dice through an appeal process - allowing sufficient time for this year's grotto to go ahead.
But if the appeal fails, the event could be in jeopardy next year.
Mr Gilllet added: 'Even if rejected, this year's Grotto remains safe as we have one remaining appeal we can lodge.
'However, our fate for next year and beyond lies in the hands of the Taunton-based council. The local parish council stands by us, recognising the incredible experience we provide local families during the holiday season. The overwhelming support from our customers on our initial application speaks volumes.'
The grotto is fully booked every weekend until Christmas.
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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