RESIDENTS in a village near Burnham-on-Sea have hit out after a planning application was submitted for a travellers caravan site.

The application, which is set to be discussed by Sedgemoor District Council, is for land on Battleborough Lane.

If approved, it could see a private gypsy caravan site consisting of two pitches and associated development built.

The application, submitted by Murdoch Planning Ltd on behalf of Mr and Mrs Jones, is for land which residents have said is located on a 'dangerous' stretch of road.

Now, villagers have hit out at the plans, and implored the district council to refuse them.

Mark Boorman, a resident who lives near the development, said: "The proposed development is not in keeping with the unique character of Battleborough Lane.

"It adversely affects the character of Battleborough Lane when viewed from Brent Knoll.

"The proposed materials for the construction are inappropriate for the location.

"The access to and from Battleborough Lane is already dangerous and congested.

"This will be profoundly adversely affected by the introduction of several additional vehicles from the proposed travellers site.

"The current inhabitants of the site are friendly and we understand they have lived there informally for 20 years, we have no problem with them.

"However, changing the use to a permanent travellers site will bring a whole new dynamic to our small community and will introduce a transient aspect to the population of Battleborough Lane."

Mary Harris also objected to the plans and described them as 'outrageous'.

She said: "We already have a building site next to this lane which will be 20 new houses.

"What is the point of visiting this country when all you can see is houses not to mention the extra traffic and pollution this will cause."

And resident Amanda Boorman said she thinks building on the land would 'affect the character' of Battleborough Farm and she has fears traffic problems along the A38 will escalate.

She said: "The fact that the A38 is becoming increasingly congested, with a fatality in recent weeks, should be an indicator that land is unsuitable for dwelling with vehicular access into the lane and onto the busy main road.

"It is perilous accessing the A38 from Battleborough Lane."