A dispute over the siting of new hunt kennels is threatening to set huntsman against hunt supporter and neighbour against neighbour according to local residents.

Over the past 12 months the Mendip Hunt Kennels have been planning to relocate from their existing site in Priddy when the lease runs out at the end of June.

One site they were interested in was Underbarrow Farm, also in Priddy, though "issues" at the site meant they could not proceed.

Instead, they have settled on Dudwell Lane in Chewton Mendip, but their plans only came to light weeks after the application was submitted.

Mendip Farmers Hunt has now been accused of "underhand behaviour, secrecy and deception" in a row that threatens to split the sleepy Mendip community.

Louis Agabani, who lives near the site, said: "Committee members of the hunt have been acting with dishonesty, secrecy and a lack of integrity. For an activity that is built on centuries of tradition and etiquette, they are immoral and disrespectful to local communities. Their behaviour could be described as fanatical. They are happy to sacrifice long-standing friendships and disregard the opinions of villagers, irrespective of their loyalty to the hunt.

"Unfortunately, the way in which the hunt committee has been conducting its business will inevitably reflect very badly on the honest and decent hunt members and its supporters."

The planning application includes space for up to 80 hounds, a flesh house, mobile home and parking for at least 20 cars.

Ivan Ponting from Chewton Mendip describes the hunt as a "crass arrogant bully trying to get his way". Writing to this newspaper he said: "The Mendip Hunt has treated the communities of Chewton Mendip, Ston Easton and beyond with inexcusable contempt."

Penny Walker from the village said: "Although not a hunt member, I have supported many of their fundraising activities and am devastated to find that the plans were in fact kept deliberately from us."

Mendip Farmers Hunt originally proposed the siting of a new kennels in Priddy after being told they had to leave their home of 90 years. But some in Chewton Mendip now believe the proposals for Priddy were a smoke- screen to disguise their real intentions of building near their village.

Local farmer Brian Clothier owns the land and was granted permission for a barn just two weeks ago.

Work started immediately, and the footings for the building have been put in place. Opponents say they include trunking for electricity and water which would not be needed in a barn.

However, Alastair Martin from the Mendip Farmers Hunt said there had been nothing underhand about the application and the hunt had been searching for a new home for some time, before settling on the Dudwell Lane site as their preferred option.

Mr Martin said: "We thought carefully about this in order to minimise disruption and offence to people. We have carried out surveys and have consultants' reports about the best possible site.

"We have spoken to the three nearest neighbours, and have spoken to others on the telephone. We would be happy to have open meetings in the villages.

"We have not given up on Underbarrow Farm at Priddy, it's just at the moment there are issues at that site.

"Brian Clothier did get consent for a barn under the 28-day rules. It wasn't underhand, that barn is being built for farm purposes and is being built to the application details.

"The new home for the hunt would be the same size and shape as this barn, with a mobile home for a farm worker."

Mr Martin said that the hunt wanted to be visible, and said he had held meetings with the chairmen of Chewton Mendip Parish Council, and Emborough Parish Council, in whose parish the application sits.

He encouraged anyone with concerns to get in touch with him by calling 01749 683380.

See letters page 28.