Trull Parish Council Greenlights ‘Rule 6’ Legal Battle After Triumphant Community Crowdfunder
TRULL, SOMERSET — 9th June 2026 — Trull Parish Council has officially resolved to progress with its full “Rule 6” legal action to fight a controversial 125-home development on the Trull Ridge Green Wedge. The decision follows an extraordinary display of community solidarity, which saw residents raise £26,000 via a CrowdJustice campaign in just one week.
At an Extraordinary Meeting held on the evening of Monday 8th June, the Parish Council reviewed the incredible momentum of the community fundraising effort. Combining the £26,000 raised by the public with contributions from the Parish Council’s own funds, the council determined that the financial threshold required to mount a robust legal defence has been successfully met.
Securing Rule 6 status elevates Trull Parish Council to a main legal party at the upcoming six-day public planning inquiry this September. This status enables the Parish Council to appoint Michael Feeney, at Frances Taylor Building Chambers, an independent barrister, who will present formal legal representation, and cross-examine developer witnesses on equal footing alongside Somerset Council and the developer. The campaign aims to protect the legally designated Green Wedge, which acts as a vital ecological and visual buffer preventing urban sprawl between Trull and Taunton.
Martine Naughton, Chair of Trull Parish Council, said: “To see our community unite so powerfully to raise this money in such a short period of time is nothing short of incredible. Thanks to the overwhelming success of this crowdfunding campaign and the financial commitment of the Parish Council, we have the resources we need to fight. By locking in our Rule 6 status and securing expert legal counsel, we are drawing a firm line in the sand. We are ensuring the voices of Trull residents will be legally integrated into the core of the inquiry process to protect our village identity.”
The Parish Council will now focus on finalising their Statement of Case. The council urges the public to continue Crowdfunding to reach their final goal of £27,000.
Campaign Page: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-trull-ridge/
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Contact: Sammie Millard-Jones
Email: Clerk@trullpc.org.uk
