South Somerset Carnival Clubs Finally set to Get New Home…
Local clubs from South Somerset look set to get a new home to build their award winning entries.
A controversial planning application for new carnival sheds near Ilminster, where four local clubs could build their carts, has finally been approved by Somerset Councillors.
The South Somerset Carnival Park looks set to be built on land on the Dillington Estate, just outside of the town, after more than 10 years of negotiations.
Local parishes had objected to the Carnival buildings being erected in open countryside, claiming that it was effectively an industrial unit, but the carnival clubs said this new site would preserve their "culturally unique" offering for future generations.
Gemini, Harlequin, Rubalo and One Plus One are the clubs expected to move to the park.
Steve Dawe, joint chair of South Somerset Carnival Park, said the clubs were all facing "difficulties" with their current sites.
"We're trying to stabilise that problem and to allow the clubs to grow," he said. being a member of a carnival club also gave new skills to young people. "Whether it's carpentry, electrical, the arts, decorating, design, and even some of the more financial and organising skills, all of these things aren't necessarily available in a school environment or in any other club."
Somerset Council said, "the economic and social benefits are considered to outweigh the potential adverse environmental effects of the scheme".
Somerset Council planning committee voted through the plans by five councillors in favour, with two voting against.
The carnival clubs are now busy fundraising the money needed to build the facilities.
Carnival in Somerset can trace its history back over 400 years. It is a tradition that is deeply engrained within the people of Somerset.Tradition aside, the modern Carnival community can demonstrate social, economic, and employment benefits to the surrounding area as well as further afield.
To maintain our passion, and to halt a decline in club numbers caused by a lack of build homes we need a Carnival Park.The South Somerset Carnival Park Committee, borne of the enthusiasm from local Carnivalites, with representation from town Carnival Committees, clubs and individuals, is now a reality and has momentum enough to find a solution to our issue.
The SSCP Committee are currently engaged in identifying a suitable area to create a Carnival Park. Such locations already exist in other key Carnival towns including Bridgwater and Glastonbury. Our vision based on the model in Glastonbury is to see our local Carnival community united in one location; where we can store, build, develop and grow.
To maintain our passion, and to halt a decline in club numbers caused by a lack of build homes we need a Carnival Park.The South Somerset Carnival Park Committee, borne of the enthusiasm from local Carnivalites, with representation from town Carnival Committees, clubs and individuals, is now a reality and has momentum enough to find a solution to our issue.
The SSCP Committee are currently engaged in identifying a suitable area to create a Carnival Park. Such locations already exist in other key Carnival towns including Bridgwater and Glastonbury. Our vision based on the model in Glastonbury is to see our local Carnival community united in one location; where we can store, build, develop and grow.
Progress: With a preferred site identified, and feasibility studies concluded we submitted plans to the local Council in July 2018.This submission is finally live and can be found here: https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/planningdetails/?id=1802609FULYour support is very much needed and we encourage you to support our application via Comments Tab on the planning web site.
