NINE gipsy families who have settled near the Wyre Piddle bypass claim that health problems and the welfare of their children support their bid to stay at the site.

Wychavon district councillors were due to rule today (Thursday) on whether to grant planning permission to change the use of the land to a gipsy caravan site.

Submitted plans show nine distinct pitches with two mobile homes and a day room on each. The plots would all include a grassed play area and hardcore for parking.

The gipsy families were recently told they could stay at the site for ten months by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court who refused to reinstate a district council injunction.

The injunction was suspended to allow the matter to pass through the current planning process - but conditions on the number of vehicles allowed on the site and how it is used still apply.

Planning officers have recommended that the application be refused because it is contrary to the countryside protection policies of the Wychavon's local plan. A report prepared for councillors before today's meeting of the development control committee reads: "It is considered that the development would be intrusive and an alien feature in the open countryside that could not be satisfactorily assimilated into the surrounding landscape."

In support of their application, the families say they have strong links with the area and need a permanent base due to their health problems. They also say that because some of their 20 children are approaching school age their education would suffer if they were moved on. Several of the children from the site have already started attending schools in Pershore.

Brian Cox, of Bristol-based South West Law, acting agent to the families, was contacted by the Journal but declined to comment on the application.