South African Billionaire Koos Bekker Faces Local Backlash Over Somerset Estate Expansion
South African billionaire Koos Bekker has acquired more than 2,700 acres of land around Bruton and Castle Cary in Somerset through his company Emily Estate (UK) Limited, trading as the luxury hotel the Newt. While some residents welcome the jobs and investment, local people have raised concerns regarding increased flooding, pesticide use, and the acquisition of local businesses and farmland.
Key points
- Koos Bekker has bought more than 2,700 acres of land around Bruton and Castle Cary in Somerset.
- Local residents have raised concerns over increased flooding, pesticide use, and the acquisition of local high street businesses.
- A flash-flooding incident in May 2023 led the local council to declare an emergency.
- A spokesperson for the Newt stated the estate employs more than 650 local people and maintains respect for the land and community.
What happened
South African billionaire and Naspers chair Koos Bekker has acquired over 2,700 acres of land in Somerset through Emily Estate (UK) Limited, trading as the luxury hotel the Newt. The expansion includes luxury hotels, pubs, high street businesses, and former farmhouses around Bruton and Castle Cary.
The estate's presence has expanded into local villages, prompting both support for regional investment and criticism from residents and neighboring farmers.
Context
Local residents and neighbors have raised various concerns regarding the estate's operations. These include worries over increased flooding linked to estate construction, the use of pesticides on farmland, and the commercial branding of local infrastructure, such as the renaming of Castle Cary railway station.
Local writer Emma Craigie stated that incidents of flooding appeared exacerbated by road building and hardcore use on the estate, noting a severe flash-flood event in May 2023. Additionally, neighboring cider-maker Oliver Dowding entered negotiations with the Newt via the Environment Agency regarding boreholes affecting sections of the River Brue, according to single-source reporting.
A spokesperson for the Newt in Somerset stated that the estate is committed to the local community, employs more than 650 people from the area, and employs experts across its operations to ensure best practices.
What's next
Local concerns and negotiations regarding environmental and agricultural practices remain ongoing between residents, local groups, and the estate.
Why it matters
The expansion highlights tensions between large-scale luxury rural developments and established local communities, focusing attention on issues of land use, environmental management, and local economic impact.
What we know
- Koos Bekker has bought more than 2,700 acres of land around Bruton and Castle Cary through Emily Estate (UK) Limited, trading as the Newt, according to Guardian analysis.
- The Newt in Somerset stated it employs more than 650 people from the local area and uses experts across its operations.
