A CONTROVERSIAL plan to change use of land for a private gypsy and traveller caravan site near Shedfield was given temporary permission for two years.

However this was only after the plan was originally rejected as it was originally voted against by councillors.

The plan for land adjacent to Gravel Hill in Shirrell Heath, which would have three pitches was met with fierce resistance from nearby residents.

An application for the site was also turned down in 2015, but an appeal was submitted after a similar proposal for a site in Curdridge was permitted.

Sheffield Parish Council and 25 residents objected to the gypsy site, with the parish council describing it as an overdevelopment, and that it would have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties.

Residents who objected said that the application is the same as one which was previously refused, and feared the number of caravans will increase.

They also wrote of security concerns, vandalism and drag racing fears and described the application as a complete farce and waste of taxpayers money.

It is understood travellers are already living on the site.

At the Winchester City Council planning committee speaking against the scheme was Shedfield Parish Council chairman Jess Bond.

She told councillors that there are already four gypsy sites within a mile of Shirrell Heath centre and the site would cause traffic issues and lead to a devaluation of homes.

She also questioned the validity of the travellers.

Meanwhile Lib Dem councillor for Whiteley and Shedfield Roger Bentote also questioned this and said the travellers had gone against the rule of the land by living on the site.

Cllr Ian Tait who is supportive of the plan accused people in the meeting of being prejudiced against travellers.

Councillors voted five to four against the plan, however it was heard that Winchester City Council is producing a document on gypsy and traveller sites, and before making any permanent decisions this document will outline council policy on sites and their allocation.

It was decided that there would be a temporary permission for the site for two years.

After the meeting Cllr Bond said:"I think it is a cop out,they made a decision to turn it down then get persuaded maybe not I think it is appalling.

"I think it is a disgraceful and quite frankly why waste time with the committee if the officer makes the decision."