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Billionaire's Luxury Estate Causes Flooding, Pesticide Row
10 Oct
Summary
- Local flooding worsened by estate's road and paved area construction.
- Concerns raised over pesticide use on farmland adjacent to villages.
- Luxury estate access restricted to guests or annual pass holders.
Koos Bekker's extensive Newt estate in Somerset has become a focal point of local disputes. Residents are raising concerns over significant issues stemming from the billionaire's expanding property holdings and business ventures.
One major point of contention is the apparent exacerbation of local flooding, particularly following heavy rainfall in May 2023, which caused flash-flooding described as 'beyond levels seen in living memory.' The estate has acknowledged this, working on pools to manage water run-off from its farm and paved sections. Additionally, a petition has been launched against the spraying of pesticides on the estate's farmland, with locals questioning the necessity and environmental impact of these chemicals.
The estate's luxury amenities, including its gardens and Roman villa, are not freely accessible to the public. Access is limited to hotel guests or individuals purchasing an £85 annual pass. This exclusivity, coupled with branding deals that have seen the local train station renamed 'Castle Cary for the Newt,' has led to accusations of arrogance and a sense of the estate colonizing public services.
While the Newt estate states its philosophy includes a love of gardens and respect for the land, employing various specialists, local sentiment highlights a disconnect. Concerns about the disappearance of local newts and the transformation of formerly organic farmland into non-organic operations persist. The estate employs over 650 local residents, a point highlighted by the company as a commitment to the community.
