Burnham-On-Sea’s MP Ashley Fox has welcomed a new set of Conservative proposals aimed at clamping down on unauthorised traveller development, saying stronger enforcement is needed to restore fairness and protect communities across Somerset.
The plans, unveiled this week, focus on what the party describes as “long‑standing weaknesses in the planning system,” where unlawful development can continue for months or even years while councils navigate slow enforcement processes and repeated legal challenges.
The proposals would end the use of retrospective planning applications for unauthorised caravan sites, strengthen coordination between councils and police, and ensure planning decisions are based firmly on land use and local impact.
They also pledge to restore protections for the Green Belt and open countryside and speed up enforcement action to prevent unlawful developments from becoming established.
Ashley Fox says the current system has created a “build now, apply later” culture that leaves councils struggling to act quickly while residents deal with the consequences. He said most people follow the rules and wait for planning decisions, adding that the same standard should apply to everyone.
A recent case on Dunwear Lane in Bridgwater was highlighted as an example of the challenges facing local authorities. Excavation works and the creation of a caravan site were carried out without permission, prompting enforcement action that took time to progress. A retrospective planning application was later submitted but has since been refused, yet activity on the site continued, says the MP.
Ashley Fox adds that further reforms are needed to address repeated unlawful encampments affecting residents and businesses in Burnham‑On‑Sea.
“These proposals are about restoring a basic principle, that the law should apply equally to everyone. In places like Burnham-On-Sea, we have seen unlawful encampments appear too often, causing disruption to residents and uncertainty for local traders. That cannot continue.”
He also warned that Somerset Council must be better prepared as unlawful encampments typically increase during the summer months. He adds the authority needs clear plans to respond quickly and robustly, working closely with police and using the powers available to minimise disruption.
Pictured: MP Ashley Fox at the Cassis Close playing fields in Burnham-On-Sea
