LOCAL MP Rachel Gilmour has been criticised for apparently attempting to persuade the Government to stop permitted development rights for farmers to have caravans and temporary structures on agricultural land.

Liberal Democrat Mrs Gilmour represents the Tiverton and Minehead constituency, which covers West Somerset and rural parts of the Culm Valley and Blackdown Hills and some parishes neighbouring Wellington.

She submitted a written question asking the Government to consider restricting permitted development rights for caravans and temporary structures on farmland.

But Exmoor farmer and chairman of the Conservatives regional rural forum James Wright said the rights were widely used by farmers to provide seasonal worker accommodation, establish temporary facilities during lambing, and support on-farm diversification while permanent housing was built.

Mr Wright said: “They are essential for flexibility, especially on family farms with limited capital.

“Our MP’s proposal follows her earlier campaign to expand the right to roam, a move that prompted backlash from farmers in Mid Devon and West Somerset concerned about trespass, biosecurity, and livestock worrying.

“Rachel Gilmour campaigns like a friend to farming, but time and again she has let us down, from calling for right to roam to now trying to hand more power to local councils to block farm improvements.

“Her actions speak louder than her words.

“Farmers do not need more red tape.

“They need to be left alone to do what they do best, feeding the nation.”

Farmer Ollie Matthews, of Wheddon Cross, said: “I am surprised at Rachel.

“She said all the right things to farmers to get elected, then heads to Westminster and works with Labour to undermine us.”

A spokesperson for Mrs Gilmour said: “We were asked a question from a constituent.

“We then asked the question to the relevant Minister as we wanted to get more clarity on development rights for temporary structures on agricultural land.”