A Somerset wedding venue has been granted planning permission to accommodate additional workers from the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station on its grounds. Greenway Farm, located on Skimmerton Lane on the western outskirts of Bridgwater, can host up to 60 guests for civil ceremonies in its wedding barn and also features a restaurant area.
Owners Martin and Susan Felstead originally secured planning permission in June 2023 to position 10 caravans on the site for workers at the nuclear plant, in addition to five already let out to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Now, Somerset Council has given the green light for all 15 caravans to be rented exclusively to Hinkley Point staff until 2031, though this timeframe could be extended if construction faces further delays.
The caravans are situated in the western section of the venue's grounds, well shielded from both Skimmerton Lane and the nearby Shell petrol station, which houses a Budgens store and Greggs outlet. Since the initial caravans were installed, a private waste treatment facility has been established and additional trees planted to further separate the campsite from the rest of the wedding venue.
Strong Demand for Pitches
A spokesperson for Clive Miller Planning, representing the Felsteads, said: "The site is well positioned for Hinkley Point C workers, being within walking distance of the bus service which runs along the A39 Quantock Road to the South West of the site. Occupancy of the 10 pitches currently allocated on the site has been consistently high. These pitches are currently full and there is further strong demand for more pitches for workers."
"At the moment, the owners of Greenway Farm are having to turn new Hinkley Point C workers away when they enquire about such a provision. These pitches are highly appealing to Hinkley Point staff who have their own caravans or motor-homes, are working away from home and wish to keep their accommodation separate from their colleagues. This also reduces the impact on the local affordable housing provision by providing an alternative choice to the local private rental sector."
Despite the presence of the BP service station, the Greenway Farm site is relatively quiet and rural, providing workers with a peaceful environment away from work.
Approval and Nearby Development
The proposals were approved by the council's planning officers using delegated powers, bypassing a public ruling by its planning committee north, which oversees major applications within the former Sedgemoor area. Greenway Farm sits within walking distance of the Centenary Heights development to the north of Quantock Road, where Cavanna Homes South West and Martin Grant Homes are jointly delivering 675 new homes, a primary school, and a community hub.
The council is expected to reach a verdict imminently on proposals for a further 275 homes at the western edge of the site, just yards from the boundary with Greenway Farm.
