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My name is Louis Critchley, I’m twenty years old and I have lived in this village {Yarlington} since I was born.

I’d like to preface this by making it clear that I don’t intend on using this platform as a soapbox to preach against “the evils of advancement”. In fact, quite the contrary; as someone from the next generation, I can appreciate more than anyone how important it is for the world around us to be constantly developing – if it weren’t for such a thing, we’d still believe that the sun revolves around the earth and birds transform into frogs for the winter season.

However, I cannot help but look upon some of the Newt’s future plans for development and feel a deep concern for what might be lost in the process. That being, while it may sound dramatic, the soul of Somerset. I mean this not in a spiritual, nor a metaphysical sense. Rather, it is something that can be found in every house, person and story in this place.

I fondly recall walking through the fields by our house with my father, traversing various routes that we had laid out ourselves. A particular landmark of note was a tall tree atop a hill adjacent to us. It was called “The Dragon Tree”. You wouldn’t find it on any map or signpost; it was a name exclusive to us yet, nonetheless, was of immense value. I mention this particular anecdote to show that everything here, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, has a story. I speak not only for myself; I’m certain that everyone in this room can think of at least one place that’s uniquely special to them, a place that no one told you was special, but simply was.

It’s upon returning during the breaks from Drama School that I realise what a privilege it is to be able to say this, and how many places in the urban landscape seem to have a need to dictate what is “special” to us. I think of a particular theme park near my place of study called “Adventure Island”. This name, unfortunately, is tragically misleading, the only ‘adventure’ to be found there being a rickety old merry go round and a used crack pipe in the kiddie pool. This is not to say by any means that the Newt is, or will, provide this kind of experience. I’ve actually enjoyed quite a few of the installations you’ve had to offer. However, the more you expand, the more so-called ‘empty space’ you fill up, the less room there will be for places like The Dragon Tree to exist. In the last year, I’ve had to avoid these places, including the tree, out of fear of being reprimanded by Newt staff. What was once an expression of the ultimate freedom of the countryside has suddenly become something that feels prohibited and wrong.

But it’s not just the places that are being affected (although I must ask, do you really need another farm in this area?), but also the community. Such wonderful events, such as the Yarlington Fringe which was hugely successful this year, or the fortnightly pub quizzes, were not brought about by a corporate need to attract more visitors, but by individuals who wanted to give back to the community and deliver something magical.

This is how the soul of Somerset is kept alive. This village was not made special because somebody put up a sign saying it was. It was made special by us, the people. So I implore you, in whatever future plans you make, to keep this in mind. Work with us, not against us. I hope that when my hair is grey and thin, and my teeth are yellow and crooked, that the family I raise here will still be able to explore as I once did and create many of their own special stories.

Emily Estates have now marked out the Proposed New Farm Site with posts. On Thursday 7th September @ 6.00 – 7.30 pm we are invited to visit the site should we wish to do so. Emily Estate staff will be on the site to explain each of the building’s as well as talk about the landscaping and answer any other questions. The different buildings will be roped so it will be easier to see the size and location of each.
To make access easier for some, a tractor tour trailer that holds 22 people will travel to and from from the Stag’s Head pub car park . The last trailer will leave the pub car park at 7.00pm. People are also invited to walk should they wish to do so.

Have a look at the video that was presented in the meeting at Galhampton Village Hall on 4th June 2023.

Emily Estates re-presented their current plans, explaining their aspirations to restore some of the Somerset traditions of cider making and dairy production. We asked if Emily Estates had considered a development closer to the existing farm, possiby utilising the site around the new cattle shed. Emily Estates said that they would investigate the area further and report back.

Emily Estates promoted the beneficial work they have done in the local area including extensive tree planting and removing old overgrown fences. They also said that there is a 10% net gain of biodiversity built into the proposal for the current intended field and animal welfare is at the centre of the proposal. Emily Estates also discussed the plans for accommodation on Manor Farm. Three new buildings are planned alongside the existing houses and there would be a mixture of holiday lets and long lets. In conclusion it was agreed that it had been positive for both sides to discuss Emily Estates’ plans and it was helpful to have a dialogue with a smaller group of local residents.

Emily Estates are planning at least two further meetings with small groups of residents of Yarlington and Galhampton.

On 4th June 2023 a Community Meeting was held at Galhampton Village Hall where Black 8 Committee members presented the current views on the proposed development of Yarlington Manor Farm. Over 100 people attended and at the conclusion 98% of attendees voted that they were in opposition to the development (2% abstained). The Presentation is below.

At a presentation at the Stag’s Head on 25th February 2023 Emily Estates proposed the following:

• Construction of a new farm on land lying between Yarlington & Galhampton
• Redevelopment of Manor Farm in Yarlington into housing
• Continued construction of concrete roads linking Yarlington / Avalon Farm / Castle Cary

The Emily Estates’ Presentation can be found in the Gallery.