VILLAGERS from Seend, near Devizes, turned out in force on Tuesday evening for a parish council meeting to object to plans for a gypsy pitch.

Romany traveller William Sherred has applied for permission to Wiltshire Council to create one pitch and and a timber clad day room on land off the A361 at Blossom Hill, Trowbridge Road.

The parish council voted unanimously to fight the proposal on planning grounds after members of the public pointed out worries about the location of the site close to the village centre near The Bell pub.

People also questioned whether there was a need for another gypsy pitch in the area and pointed to others located nearby at Littleton and Semington.

Parish clerk Sue Bond said: "There were quite a lot of people at the meeting and some had strong opinions. But we will be constructing our response and objection purely on planning grounds."

An agents report for Mr Sherred submitted to Wiltshire Council says: "This proposal seeks planning permission to change the use of the land from agriculture use to a Romany traveller site, accommodating one pitch.

"The proposal includes the erection of a timber clad day room, siting of a static home together with space for the parking of two cars, a mobile home, space for a garden and the siting of a cesspit. The remaining land will continue to be used as a paddock."

It says the pitch would be occupied by Mr Sherred who at the moment lives outside of the area with his mother who has suffered poor health.

The report continues: "As a recognised Romany Gypsy he has nowhere else to live. Mr Sheered is the Gypsy Council representative covering amongst other areas, the administrative district of Wiltshire.

"He has and continues to have a good working relationship with the council and community groups and is a well respected Romany gypsy. He has family in the area and is well known locally."

In the past he has been involved in plans for land in Yarnbrook and Bratton.