A TOTAL of 30 new holiday lodges can be put up just outside Shepton Mallet following the approval of plans.

The Crockett family applied to place the mobile lodges on the land surrounding Cannards Grave Farm, on the eastern side of the A37.

Mendip District Council has given the go-ahead on the condition that none of the new lodges become used as a permanent home, either for members of the family or other patrons.

The applicant has not indicated how soon the new holiday park would be constructed.

The holiday park will have parking for up to 60 vehicles, with a new access road onto the A37 being created.

The site previously had permission for ten mobile homes granted in May 2018, which increased to a total of 25 pitches in June 2019.

A traffic assessment by KTC has concluded the development “would result in no increase in trips in peak periods, and just five two-way trips over the course of a day.

“Additionally, the change from motor home plots to lodges would result in less large vehicles using the local road network.”

A large number of holiday parks (including those operated by Haven) have closed temporarily due to the coronavirus – but park homes or similar operations which provide accommodation to vulnerable groups or key workers are allowed to remain open.

Luke Hall MP, minister for rough sleeping and housing, clarified the government’s position in a letter to park homes owners on March 27.

He said: “Where caravan and park home sites are housing people who would otherwise have nowhere to live, or are providing accommodation to key workers or vulnerable groups, such as homeless households… they should remain open to those groups only.

“The site should remain closed to those who are not key workers or vulnerable groups.”