Council U-turn on festive grotto built 'without planning permission'

by · Mail Online

The council which was slammed for being a 'Grinch' after refusing planning permission for a beloved Christmas grotto has had a change of heart.

Santa's Grotto Frome, in Somerset, welcomes children to two festive cabins to meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, along with their helper elves, every year.

But since moving to a new site at Critchill Manor Estate in April, the business has been mired in a planning row with Somerset Council, with concerns over its sustainability.

In July, the council refused it permission over the lack of public transport access to the site's rural location, meaning private cars have to be used. 

After submitting a second application, the festive attraction - which was built with a £22,000 loan - has been granted planning permission.

This means hundreds of relieved families can take their children to meet Santa this year at the attraction.

Craig Gillett, 61, plays Santa at the grotto alongside his sister Clare Perry, 59
Santa's Grotto in Somerset, welcomes children to two festive cabins to meet Father Christmas
Hundreds of relieved families can take their children to meet Santa this year at the attraction
Craig Gillett as Santa, with his sister Clare Perry as Mrs Claus
The business brought Christmas cheer at a new site this year, which consists of two small cabins located within Critchill Manor Estate, in Frome
Two buildings were put up at Critchill Manor Estate despite having permission rejected
Santa's Grotto Frome has been operating for six years. Pictured: Elves Bindi (Tracey) and Mouse (Lydia)
Outside of the festive season, Mr Gillett and his family had planned to let the grotto be used as storage by the football team

READ MORE: MOMENT REINDEER IS CAUGHT ON THE RUN IN DASHCAM FOOTAGE AFTER ESCAPING SANTA'S GROTTO

A post on the grotto's Facebook page read: 'We are so happy to say that at the meeting with Somerset County Council today they have passed our planning application so the Grotto is safe for the future!

'Thank you so much for all your kind messages, comments and support.

'We are so happy, we can't stop the Elves dancing, and Mr and Mrs Claus are thinking about having a sherry to celebrate!

'Thank you again, you wonderful community you!'

Hundreds of fans of the festive attraction commented congratulations and support to the owners, promising bring their children to visit this weekend.

Tickets on the website for weekends up until Christmas have already sold out due to the popular demand.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed the application was approved, subject to 'various conditions'. 

Craig Gillett, 61, who plays Santa at the grotto alongside his sister, who acts as Mrs Claus said previously: 'It is so frustrating.

'We try and give back to the community for their support - it's all about giving some fun and joy in people's lives at the moment.

'There is so much bad and sad news on all the time - to have children's innocent faces beaming at you, looking at this character that brings so much happiness.

'To have that taken away by one council officer that has not even seen the site and doesn't even live nearby is heartbreaking.'

Santa's Grotto Frome is run by Mr Gillett, his sister Clare Perry, 59, as well as husband Gordon Perry, 57.

The family were searching for a new site this year when they were approached by landowners of the 186-acre Critchill Manor Estate.

Santa's Grotto Frome is not the only community business operating on the space, however, as it is also home to numerous other businesses including a café and the local Frome Youth football team.

Outside of the festive season, Mr Gillett and his family had planned to let the grotto be used as a storage space for the football team.

Mr Gillett said: 'There is trading already on the existing site.

'The football team alone regularly have over 300 cars there supporting their teams and events.

'The council state our grotto is not sustainable because there is no public transport to get to the site - but you wouldn't go on a bus to a golf club.

'We support local business and employ local people as our elves at a time when people need a little extra.

Mr Gillett (pictured as Santa alongside his sister as Mrs Claus) said: 'We try and give back to the community for their support - it's all about giving some fun and joy in people's lives at the moment'
One of the buildings which were built without permission has a sign saying 'reindeer fly zone' 
The family were searching for a new site this year when they were approached by the Critchill Manor Estate. Pictured: Elves Bindi (Tracey) and Mouse (Lydia) who work at the grotto
Mr Gillett and his sister wave from one of the buildings, dressed in character
The two log cabins were erected earlier this year after the business took out a £20,000 loan
Mr Gilllet (pictured as Santa Claus, with his sister and a young visitor) added: 'Even if rejected, this year's grotto remains safe as we have one remaining appeal we can lodge'
The two jolly characters grin at the camera while at the grotto

'We have visitors from all over the country - people come from London and Bournemouth to visit, and they bring trade to the community too.

'We hold free sessions for vulnerable children, people in care homes.

'We had a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer, she fought through and is coming back for free visits as an honorary elf!'