Martin Clunes, known for his role in 'Wuthering Heights', recently faced a setback in a planning dispute concerning new travellers residing near his home in Dorset. The Dorset council voted in favor of allowing Theo Langton and Ruth McGill, who have established a life on their land near Beaminster for over 20 years, to remain there permanently. This decision marks a significant moment in a prolonged dispute between the actor and the travelling family.

The couple defines themselves as 'new travellers' and operates a mobile business selling art, jewellery, and metalwork while living in a caravan. The use of the land includes a workshop and other essentials for their travelling lifestyle. The council's decision to allow them to remain reflects a broader acceptance of alternative lifestyles and the complexities involved in local housing and land-use rights.

This case illustrates the tensions that can arise between established residents and new arrivals in rural areas. As Clunes is a well-known figure, this dispute has garnered public attention, highlighting the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing community interests, individual freedoms, and the rights of those who live off the grid.