Sedgemoor District Council monitoring situation at Tent Revival caravan event in Cheddar

The situation at the Tent Revival caravan event in Cheddar is being monitored by Sedgemoor District Council, to ensure that no breaches of planning or licensing regulations take place.

The event, which is believed to be taking place until Friday, is being held in the fields opposite the entrance to Draycott Park.

It is thought that it is being run by the Life and Light Church, which is an evangelical Christian movement, lead by the travelling community.

As part of the mission to spread "the word of Jesus Christ", the church holds events like the one in Cheddar, and a sign outside says that everyone is welcome to the Gospel Night service every evening at 6pm.

Arrivals at the event caused large tailbacks through Cheddar on Monday (August 16) and concerns have been expressed in the village about antisocial behaviour this week, though it has not been confirmed whether this is related to the event or not.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor has confirmed to Cheddar Nub News that they are monitoring the situation at the site, but were not aware of any regulation breaches at present.

The spokesperson said: "We became aware of the Tent Revival event on Monday and I can confirm that we had not previously been notified.

"As such, the district council would not be required to give authority or permission for this event to take place.

"I understand that the organisers have the permission of the landowner for use of the land for the purpose of the event.

"There would be no requirement to give planning permission for temporary use in this manner and we have had no reports of licensable activities taking place on the land.

"I believe that caravans are in place on the land in support of the event but, again, I'm afraid that this would not require planning consent or a licence.

"At this stage, therefore, we are not aware of any breaches of licensing or planning regulations and would have no regulatory reason to engage with the organisers. We will, of course, keep the situation monitored."

Cheddar Nub News approached both Avon and Somerset Police and Somerset County Council for a comment, and both said it was a matter for Sedgemoor District Council as the licensing authority.