One complaint stops maypole dancing
MAYPOLE dancing has ended in a village after more than 300 years because of one complaint over planning permission.
Families in Bream, in Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire have been staging festivities around its pole since the 17th century.
The original maypole stood close to Maypole Cottage, Maypole estate and Maypole Road until 1925.
It was taken down because it was in the middle of a junction and got in the way of the recently-invented motor cars.
A new pole was recently reinstated in the garden of the New Inn, a 15th century former police station owned by businessman Bill Parker. But within days of it being put up and, amid excitement about the first May Day pole dance for nearly a century, it was ordered to be taken down.
Forest of Dean Council received a single complaint about the Maypole requiring planning permission because it was in front of a Grade II-listed building and could be deemed an eyesore.
Villagers kept it up until May Day and held a “dance of defiance” in protest around the 50ft high striped pole.
Mr Parker wore a traditional “Green Man” coat printed with medieval writing and bells during the dance on May 1.
He said: “It’s sad that one complaint can put at risk such a long-standing tradition which is so much fun. The council say I should have had planning permission and listed building consent.
“I’m hoping I can then get everyone onside and put it up again.
“If necessary, I’ll apply planning permission.
“Whatever happens, I’ll be putting the maypole back up in time for next year’s May Day.
“These celebrations are here to stay now and next year’s will be even bigger.”
A Forest of Dean Council spokesman said: “The maypole is being investigated by our planning enforcement team. No decisions have been made.”
Resident Stuart Cox said: “I don’t see how anyone can complain about it. Hopefully it can get retrospective planning permission.” for