A DECISION on allowing travellers to continue developing a site in Forton has been delayed by South Somerset District Council (SSDC).

The planning application, which is to change the use of land to private gypsy caravan site consisting of four pitches, was submitted in April.

A decision was expected to be made by July 6, but it has now been delayed.

A spokesman for SSDC said: “No decision has been made yet. A committee/decision date has yet to be set. It may not go to committee but that will depend upon the officers recommendation, the ward member and area chairman.

“We require further information from the applicant on respect of full access (vehicular) rights to use The Drift which is a public right of way.

“The officer said it certainly won’t be July’s Area West Committee (July 20), possibly August’s if it was to go to committee.”

The latest recommendation was made by Somerset County Council highways consultee, who raised no objections to the proposal but suggested three conditions.

Firstly, before the site is occupied, a properly consolidated surfaced access to the site needs to have been submitted and approved by the local planning authority.

Secondly, provision shall be made within the site for the disposal of surface water so as to prevent its discharge onto the highway, also subject to planning approval.

Finally, the area allocated for parking and turning shall be kept clear of obstruction and not used other than for parking and turning.

SSDC has received 24 objections in writing to the application.

Mr and Mrs Rawlins, of Wreath Lane, were among the objectors. They said: “As there is no mains water supply in this area this site could not maintain itself in its present condition and could draw on our water supplies if a borehole was applied for.

“The vehicles and the footfall that this site would bring is not acceptable. It is a footpath which, like Wreath Lane, we the residents are responsible for maintaining privately at a huge cost to us personally so it cannot withstand the high levels of traffic that this proposed site would create.”

Allan Tovey, also of Wreath Lane, said: “Why would the council even consider putting four gypsy/travellers’ caravans on such a small site or even any caravans on such a small site.

“There must be more suitable sites around Somerset for them to go to rather than a small single track country lane.

“If you put four caravans on the site and each home has say four occupants then that would nearly double the total number of people that currently live on the Drift. How can this be a good idea?”