Christmas saved for families in Frome
Councillors ruled Father Christmas could keep giving out presents at a nearby grotto
Last updated 9th Dec 2023
Christmas has been saved for Frome families after councillors ruled that Father Christmas could keep giving out presents in a nearby grotto.
Frome Santa’s Grottos operates in woodlands within Critchill Farm off Critch Hill, a stone’s throw from Frome Town Football’s training academy.
The enterprise, run by Craig Gillett, applied to Somerset Council to erect two timber sheds within the grounds to serve as a Santa’s Grotto, staffed by Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus.
The council’s planning officers had previously refused planning permission for the structure in July, and recommended this decision be repeated since they had no public transport or cycle links.
But members of the council’s planning committee east went against their own officers on Tuesday evening and granted permission for the grotto to remain for the festive season, stating that doing otherwise would make them a “laughing stock”.
Craig Gillett – who will be playing Father Christmas – told the committee: “All Mrs. Claus and our helpful elves want to do is to provide a place for people to visit us once a year. Everyone seems happy – apart from your planning officers.
“Nearly half of our visitors are local, and those who come from further afield combine their trip with shopping in the town. ”