Ramblers help win vital planning battle to protect countryside  [25 April 2003]

A SPECIAL area of classic English countryside has been saved thanks to campaigning by the Ramblers.

A massive country mansion was planned on an estate at Bedlam Green Farm, South Brewham, near Bruton in South Somerset. The site is part of the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and several well-used paths cross the area including the Leland Trail. Nearby Alfred's Tower is a popular landmark in the area that is well-used by walkers.

The planning application was dismissed on appeal following a lengthy public inquiry and the decision has been hailed as an important test case for protection of AONB's. The CRoW Act 2000 put AONB's on an equal par with national parks in terms of protection against development.

The appeal was dismissed on the grounds that it would add nothing to the local economy or community and would increase use of private cars in the area, as well as on the grounds that it would harm the AONB.

Norman Browne was the Ramblers' countryside secretary for Somerset during the public inquiry and argued against the development. "We are very pleased about this decision," he said. "The mansion would have blocked unspoilt countryside views. This part of south Somerset is one of the few remaining parts of the West Country that remain unspoilt and popular with walkers getting away from it all. It is classic English countryside. This is a very important decision for AONBs and national parks as allowing the development would have set a dangerous precedent for other areas."

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