A GIPSY site on the outskirts of Charlton, near Evesham, could be forced to move after district councillors refused to approve it retrospective planning permission.

At a development control committee meeting at Pershore Civic Centre, councillors concluded the site was located on a dangerous stretch of road, it was too visible and was outside the agreed settlement boundary in that area.

Peter Pawsey, a Charlton resident who spoke at the meeting, said: “I speak on behalf of the majority of the village when I say the applicant would be hard put to find a more unsuitable site. Access to the site is dangerous and there are no footpaths to it along the road.

“We would urge the council to wholly reject the application.”

This position was also supported by Charlton Parish Council.

The site, on land off Canada Bank in Charlton, is currently occupied by two mobile homes and two touring caravans, and the proposal includes the change of use of part of a shed building to provide washroom facilities, together with some new planting.

Mr Small, who currently lives at the site, also addressed the council at the meeting.

He said: “We have had no problems over the last two years. We use the local bus system for schools and shops, plus if we leave we will have no-where else to go. We have looked for other sites but there is nowhere available.”

Wychavon District Council confirmed it is now considering enforcement action, based upon whether the travellers decide to appeal the decision.