A bid to place 36 shipping containers on farmland at Brue Farm near Street has been rejected by Somerset Council. The containers, proposed by farmer Alan King, were intended as part of a plan to diversify the family farm and generate additional income.

Planning officers refused the application on the grounds that the development would "introduce an industrial or urbanised form of development within the narrow strip of open countryside" along the River Brue corridor — placing it between Street and Glastonbury. The proposal — partly retrospective, with 21 containers already on site — included plans for a 2.2‑metre security fence.

Officials said the scale and nature of the containers were inappropriate for rural farmland and the level of activity would be detrimental to residents nearby. A similar application for 77 containers was rejected in 2021. The current refusal was issued under delegated powers, not debated publicly.

Mr King argued the farm, covering some 50 hectares, might soon become unviable without diversification. In a statement, representatives said the farmyard is larger than needed and there is demand locally for storage units.

At present it's unclear whether Mr King will appeal the decision.

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