PLANS to transform land into a residential travellers caravan site for four families faced criticism from Gillingham councillors, with one describing it as “totally unacceptable”.

During a planning meeting on Monday night the application received strong opposition from councillors, which was requesting developments to take place at Jane Oaks Farm in Mere.

As well as accommodating caravans, the application asked for permission to implement access improvements and for the erection of two amenity buildings.

Despite being in Wiltshire, Gillingham Town Council had requested to be consulted on the plans, as the build would affect north Dorset and hamlets including Huntingford.

Responding to the application, chairperson and Councillor Val Pothecary said she was “rather surprised” it had been submitted.

She added that the existing travellers site, already nearby, was “very much underutilised” and the newly proposed site was “in the middle of nowhere” and therefore “unsuitable”.

Speaking at the meeting resident Anthony De Ritter raised concerns that the approval of the plans could lead to the number of caravans doubling after future applications, which would be “catastrophic for the local community”.

He added that the application had caused “considerable anxiety” to locals.

He said: “If successful the application will permanently displace wildlife and damage important habitat, and also [impact] the water causes that feed into the River Shreen.

"Dorset Council refers to the importance of adopting an effective ecological and climate strategy – development in open countryside is diametrically opposed to these objectives. Preservation of the countryside is crucial in supporting our fragile rural economy.

“Unspoiled countryside is the principle attraction for tourists and visitors and will be of even greater importance in restarting the local hospitality industry post pandemic.”

Mr De Ritter added the application was “much better suited to brown fields” which was echoed by Cllr Mike Gould, who said the site was “unsuitable”.

Despite opposition the application was previously supported by the Wiltshire Council ecology team and drainage engineer.

Tree surgeon Shane Verrion objected to the proposal, as no consideration had been given to the protection of a significant oak tree near the entrance of the site.

The council unanimously objected to the application, concluding it was an unsustainable site with no access to education, health, welfare, employment and infrastructure.

This is in addition to concerns raised regarding highway safety.

Cllr Barry Von Clemens added: “If this was in our parish and under our planning regulations I would say that it failed on so many counts that it [wasn’t] really worth the application being put in.”

Mere Town Council had already objected to the application, during a meeting on November 2, as an “unfortunate experience” was recorded by residents following the granting of planning permission for another nearby travellers site.

In comments sent to Wiltshire Council, the council added the site “fails to meet a significant number of the nine points of criteria that are laid out in the Adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy document”.

The target date for a decision to be made was Monday, November 23, but one is yet to be announced. For more information visit the Wiltshire Council website, planning application 20/07643/FUL.