Fresh concerns have emerged over plans for a new indoor play area and farm shop in Brent Knoll

Plans for a new indoor play area, cafe and farm shop to be built in Brent Knoll, off the A38, sparked fresh concerns this month about the impact on the landscape.

As reported here, a planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council for new facilities on land at Upper Battleborough Farm off the A38 Bristol Road in Brent Knoll.

The applicant, Jolly Jumpers Play Zone, is seeking full planning permission to construct “a building to accommodate an indoor play area, a cafe and farm shop with associated parking and an outdoor play area”.

However, Historic England says it has “strong concerns” about the impact on the Brent Knoll setting, while Somerset Council’s landscape officer said this month that the proposal’s size, scale and parking requirements were “unacceptable”. .

Dozens of potential customers have given their support to the plans online, sending letters of support to Somerset Council citing the need for the proposed new indoor play facilities in the Burnham-On-Sea area.

Others questioned whether the location in a quiet part of Brent Knoll was suitable.

A representative from Historic England said in a statement published on the council’s planning portal this month: “While we have not objected, we have expressed strong concerns about the impact of this proposal on the Brent Knoll site. In terms of planning policy, Brent Knoll is a Scheduled Monument, an asset of the highest significance and any harm, including from development within it, requires clear and convincing justification.”

“The proposed new building spans 1250 square meters with a ridge height of just under 10 meters and is larger than the existing farm buildings in size and height. In addition, parking is proposed to accommodate 150 vehicles.”

“It is for the local authority to make the final decision and I note that there have been consultants who have objected, including the National Trust which manages Brent Knoll. There may be potential to re-use the existing barns or develop a smaller scale scheme, however with the application before us we stand by our position.”

Somerset Council’s Ecology Services also raised concerns, stating that “maps indicate that various species of conservation importance have been recorded in close proximity to the site”.

Others raising concerns include the Environment Agency, Drainage Board, National Trust, Historic Buildings and Places, Brent Knoll Parish Council and Somerset Highways.

In its planning statement, the applicant states that it “currently operates the very popular Jolly Jumpers Play Zone, an indoor soft play area for children up to 11 years of age, from a commercial building near Bridgwater, but is looking to expand offer to help support the business in all seasons.”

“The current site, near J24 of the M5, attracts customers from Yeovil, Exeter, Minehead and Bristol, as well as tourists visiting the area, but unfortunately offers no potential for expansion.”

“Following an extensive 2-year search for properties to let and buy in the Sedgemoor district, the Applicant purchased the Site in 2022 and develops rare breeds of cattle and pigs as part of the farming enterprise as well as keeping alpacas.”

“Jolly Jumpers’ current business is entirely in-house. Not only has it been hit hard during the Covid-19 restrictions, but it also suffers from seasonal fluctuations, being busier in wet weather but not in warmer, drier weather, although staffing levels must remain the same. “

“The only outdoor space on the current site is parking and all of this is required at peak times, therefore not allowing for any expansion or outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the business must either relocate and expand in order to continue economically, or face complete closure.”

It adds: “The proposed site at Upper Battleborough Farm therefore provides the Applicant with the opportunity to extend the offer to include the existing indoor play area but also to add a cafe, farm shop and animal farm to attract more customers throughout the year, improving the overall. business sustainability.”

“Due to the height of the playground equipment, the current farm buildings on the site are not suitable for reuse for this purpose. They will, however, be used to house animals as part of the new animal farm. A new building is therefore proposed to the south of the holding close to the A38 Bristol Road.”

“The building will be agricultural aspect, the location being carefully chosen to sit below the existing field to assist with screening and any landscape impact.”

“The new building will be multi-purpose, housing the indoor play area with space for children’s parties, a cafe and a farm shop. It will also lead to the outdoor play area and petting farm.”

“The applicant is very keen to provide activities for all, with the outdoor play area being designed to accommodate a fort which is wheelchair accessible. Indeed, all paths around the Site are designed to be accessible and inclusive for all, being built to a minimum gradient of 1:20 and a gridded surface.”

Road access changes on the A38 are planned with a filter lane.

The application – reference number 07/23/00025 – is expected to be decided by Somerset Council shortly.