Somerset treehouse finally approved for holidaymakers

Mr M. Dennis & Ms F. Barnett-Howland applied in May 2020 (during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic) to build a new treehouse with space for two people in wooded area off Higher Tolbury in Bruton.

The plans have been subject to nearly six years of delays, including protracted negotiations on how to secure phosphate mitigation for the site to prevent any damage to the Somerset Levels and Moors.

But Somerset Council has now finally given the plans the go-ahead, meaning the treehouse could be up and running for paying guests within the next 12 months.

The treehouse will be built at the top of St Catherine's Hill, with visitors parking their cars at Coombe Rise and walking to the site via a new footpath.

Footpath leading to the new treehouse on St. Catherine's Hill in Bruton (Image: The Town and Country Planning Practice Ltd.)

The treehouse can accommodate two adults and comprise a bedroom, kitchen and dining area, bathroom, living room and decked area facing west.

CSK Chartered Architects, which has designed the treehouse, described it as "a distinctive piece of architecture that respects and responds to its hillside woodland setting".

Running water and electricity will be extended to the treehouse from Coombe Rise, with a bio-digester being built nearby to cope with additional sewage.

The site lies just over five minutes' walk from the town centre and less than 20 minutes' walk from the railway station, which has daily services to and from London Paddington.

While the treehouse will be visible from two nearby public footpaths, the applicants do not believe its presence would spoil the natural environment.

Proposed location of the Bruton treehouse, north of Coombe Rise (Image: CSK Chartered Architects)

A spokesman said: "The treehouse has great potential to enhance the landscape character by introducing an element of interest and delight to be viewed from the public footpath.

"The beauty and interest of the treehouse would constitute a positive addition to the scene.

"We want to create accommodation that is beautiful, uplifting and inspirational, and it should be a truly wonderful place to stay.

"The aim of the project is to create a whole experience of peacefulness, proximity to nature and an escape from the busyness that is modern living."

Bruton lies within the River Brue catchment area, meaning any residential development in the area must secure additional mitigation to prevent any net increase in phosphates on the protected Somerset Levels and Moors.

To mitigate the treehouse, the applicants will purchase phosphate credits before construction from Wiveliscombe-based firm WCI. 

The council approved the plans through the delegated powers of its planning officers, rather than a public decision by its planning committee south (which handles major applications within the former South Somerset area).

Senior planning officer Eren Balkir said the plans had "no issues that cannot be adequately addressed through conditions" and noted that Bruton Town Council was in support of the proposals.

Construction on the treehouse is likely to begin before Christmas.