GIPSIES who have camped in Wyre Piddle for nearly two years have made a second attempt to make their stay legal - but once again they look set to fail.

Nine families have put in a planning application to Wychavon District Council for a total of 18 touring caravans, nine mobile homes and utility blocks and eight sheds.

In November 2003, they made an application for 18 mobile homes but were refused permission. They took their case to the Secretary of State, John Prescott, and while he came down on the side of the council, he did leave the door open for the gipsies to re-apply if they had their sewerage system sorted out.

The Secretary of State also said the needs of the families overrode any conflicts with planning regulations. The families have now come up with new proposals for the site, including sewerage works, but council officers have still recommended planners refuse the application.

Yesterday, all the families were at a horse fair near Cambridge and unavailable for comment.

Planners have cited damage to the local landscape and the human rights of the local residents as just some of the reasons for refusal.

"The fact the development would be a significant obtrusive feature in the wider landscape is not justified by the circumstances of the applicants," said a spokesperson for Wychavon District Council.

"Also, Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 states everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life... we must protect the rights and freedoms of others to enjoy an unspoilt countryside.

"As far as we can see, there are no compelling reasons for the applicants and their families to live on this particular site."

The council's stance has been backed by the majority of residents, with 49 letters of opposition to the plans being sent in.

Just one letter of support has been submitted.

Hill & Moor Parish Council has also expressed its feelings on the matter. Members have objected to the application on the grounds of landscaping, foul and storm water provision, abuse of the planning system, and violation of local residents' human rights.

Wychavon District Council's development control committee is due to make its decision on Thursday at 2pm when it meets at the Civic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore.

WHY THE FAMILIES BELIEVE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN WORCESTERSHIRE

THE Secretary of State recognised the needs of the nine families when he refused their appeal but left them to retry once they have solved the problem of sewerage. He indicated if this was sorted, he would accept their bid to stay.

The Worcester News looks at the case of each family more closely.

l Peter (aged 36) and Jane Richards (34) have seven children aged six months to 13 years.

Peter is an agricultural worker at various farms in Worcestershire, who travels to pick potatoes, bean and peas and do other work like haymaking and logging.

He and his family have worked on farms in the county for 10-15 years, and his grandfather worked at farms in Evesham.

He collects, sorts and ties onions and does some gardening. The family spends up to six weeks a year in Wisbech and Peterborough picking flowers, apples and pears.

Jane's mother was born in Worcestershire and her parents married in Pershore. Both have high blood pressure.

l Christopher and Angelina Richards (both 39), have two children aged 9 and 19.

Christopher is Peter's brother and also works in Worcestershire picking onions, fruit and beans.

Both husband and wife have high blood pressure and a doctor has written to confirm they are receiving treatment.

Their daughter Maria (19) has had an operation on her ear and needs aftercare treatment. They are looking for a school for their son, Chris, who has educational difficulties.

l James Richards (26) and wife Donna (24), have three children aged eight months to two years.

James, like his brothers, also does agricultural work and is said to be never more than 50 miles from Pershore.

l Paul and Lisa Lee have four children aged 18 months to six years.

Paul is an agricultural worker and although he travels to various fairs, estimates he spends six to eight months a year in Worcestershire.

Both are asthma sufferers requiring medical treatment. They have family in Wolverhampton, but the three elder children attend Cherry Orchard School in Worcester.

l Mary and Denny Smith have one baby, aged four months.

Denny states he is a Smith, related to Peter Richards's mother. He does agricultural work.

l Adam Lee and Susanna Davies (both 20), have one child aged 22 months.

Adam has travelled in the Worcestershire area during the last four years with the Richards brothers.

l Billy Webb (54) and Vera Davis (56) have one daughter aged 13.

Billy travels, usually picking fruit. He has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

l Richard Birch and Natasha do not have any children.

Richard says the Birch and Richards families have known each other for years and their fathers and grandfathers worked in Evesham together.

l William (48) and Mary Birch are the parents of Richard and Neil.

William works in agriculture and he and Maria have been based in the Midlands all of their lives. Their son Neil is mentally impaired and is entirely dependent on his parents and brother.