Neighbours fear a new glamping site proposed for farmland near Shepton Mallet could bring extra traffic, road safety problems and late-night disruption to their village. A public meeting was held in Cranmore on Tuesday evening to discuss the plans for land near the old railway station.

The meeting was organised by local people, including residents objecting to the proposal by farmer David Corp, of Merryfield Farm. Mr Corp has applied for planning permission for a glamping site at west Cranmore, near Piers Road and Southill House.

The application includes six holiday lets, a reception building, glamping and camping space, parking, a dog pond, wildflower meadow and toilets. Somerset Council's planning page recorded 21 comments in support and 19 objections at the time of writing.

The strongest concern raised by objectors is road safety, with residents warning that narrow lanes around Cranmore are already heavily used by villagers, farmers, horse riders, cyclists and walkers. Resident Helen Grimes said the junction from Piers Road onto the A361 is already described in the Cranmore village plan as one of the busiest and most hazardous between Shepton Mallet and Frome.

"Adding hundreds of additional vehicle movements each week, particularly during holiday periods, would inevitably increase the risk of accidents," she said. "The proposal would also see an open field set within a rural landscape transformed into a busy holiday destination."

Ms Grimes said she and other villagers fear the scheme would affect the countryside, local wildlife and the safety of residents and visitors. She said the roads around the site are "narrow, winding and used daily" by people who already have to share the lanes with local traffic.

Residents have also raised fears about noise, parties and antisocial behaviour if the site attracts larger groups. Charly Body, objecting to the application, wrote: "It is well documented that campsites often draw younger groups of people and hen/stag do's. Anti social behaviour, noise are a worry and there is no doubt there will be wedding and parties held there."

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant say the site is considered an ideal location for holiday accommodation. They state the proposal could support the diversification of the farm as a sustainable enterprise.

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The plan has also attracted support from people who say it would help the local rural economy and bring more visitors to the area. Eunice Stephenson described it as a sustainable project to support farm diversification at Merryfield Farm during challenging times for the farming community.

She said the proposal would meet local planning policy aims for a diverse, robust and resilient rural economy. She also said it would support proposals that attract visitors to the area.

Simon Bending, general manager of the East Somerset Railway, has given the proposals his backing. He said the site would provide a "fantastic facility" and could enhance the railway's operations at Cranmore.

"We wholeheartedly support the plans, which would provide a fantastic facility enhancing our operations at Cranmore," he said. "We would be keen to support the additional foot access to Cranmore station and our existing facilities."

Peter Thomson, who runs the station cafe at Cranmore, also said he hoped the scheme would bring more visitors to the railway and his business. He said it sounded like something that could be beneficial for local operators.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision within three months.

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