Martin Clunes disputes neighbor's Traveller site in Dorset

Martin Clunes, the actor known for roles in "Men Behaving Badly" and "Doc Martin," is involved in a dispute with his neighbors over a proposed Traveller site. The site, located just 300 yards from Clunes' 130-acre farm in Dorset, is being developed by Theo Langton and Ruth McGill, who have lived on the land in a static caravan for over 20 years. Martin Clunes has argued against the neighbors' plans to make their site permanent. He claims their application for planning permission is "cynical and dishonest." Clunes has questioned whether Langton and McGill qualify as legitimate travellers, which is important for their right to occupy the site. Experts have determined that the couple's caravan is classified as a mobile home. They have submitted plans to use the land for residential purposes that include a dayroom, workshop, and space for a tourer caravan. Clunes, however, contends that the caravan lacks true mobility and does not meet the required guidelines for mobile homes. Recent assessments by engineers suggest that the caravan could potentially be moved. These evaluations state that it can be split into two sections for lifting. Clunes disputes this, saying the caravan was built in many pieces and questioning how it could navigate local infrastructure. The local planning authority had previously recommended granting permission for the site, but the case was removed from the agenda after Clunes' lawyers submitted a last-minute letter opposing it. The situation continues to develop as both sides prepare to present their arguments.