Christmas grotto saved in council U-turn after claims it was built without permission

Santa and Mrs Claus' grotto in Frome, Somerset, was set to relocate to Critchill Manor Estate when Somerset County Council refused the move over sustainability concerns

A Christmas grotto built without planning permission won't have to be torn down after the local council had a change of heart.

With the run-up to Christmas in full flow, Santa and his elves found themselves embroiled in a planning row over the two festive cabins in Frome, Somerset. He and Mrs Claus welcome children every year at the temporary grotto to meet youngsters and hear what's on their list.

But since moving to a location on a nearby country estate, Somerset Council has raised concerns about the business' sustainability and refused permission on the grounds of a lack of public transport access, requiring families to travel by car. Now upon a second application however, it's business as usual for Santa as permission was rubber-stamped.

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 have rushed to congratulate the grotto's managers and shared their excitement to bring their children to meet Santa at the weekend. A spokesperson for the council confirmed the application was approved, subject to "various conditions".

Santa, who also goes by Craig Gillet during the rest of the year, previously told of his "frustration" at the decision. "We try and give back to the community for their support," the 61-year-old said. "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, who plays Mrs Claus, as well as husband Gordon Perry, 57. The family were searching for a new site in spring when they were approached by landowners of the 186-acre Critchill Manor Estate, a stately home used as a wedding venue.

"We erected two wooden buildings - that people can have in their back garden without planning permission," he said. "They are nice quality wooden units that go into the background itself - they are not an eye sore.

"It is an ideal position for us, we are not hurting anybody or encroaching on the field. We didn't think it would take this long and we had to put them up in our commitment to the families who support Santa's Grotto Frome, its taken six months to set up".

Mr Gillett previously told how they had visitors from "all over the country" to the grotto in previous years, coming from as far as London and Bournemouth for a chance to sit on Santa's lap. They also held free sessions for vulnerable people and residents 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!" he added.

The decision by councillors went against the recommendation by its officials who said the conditions had not gone far enough to alleviate concerns. A spokesperson for Somerset Council stated: "The application was approved, subject to various conditions. The full decision will be published in due course."