A MIDDLEWICH traveller site could be extended following a planning application.

The land on Horseshoe Farm, Warmingham Lane, currently accommodates five families, but the change of use would extend that to include a transit site for up to eight touring caravans.

The proposal would be to the rear of the existing traveller site and would include the provision of an access driveway and erection of a 28 square metre amenity building.

Paul Edwards, a Middlewich resident, said: “It’s completely unsustainable and should be rejected.

“They are so far away from anything and in that particular area they are away from any services such as schools which we need to provide.”

The planning policy for traveller sites states that they should be sustainable economically, socially and environmentally.

The planning agent, Philip Brown Associates, said in a supporting statement: “The provision of additional transit pitches would provide a settled base for travellers in transit.

“They can find work and earn their living. They would reduce the need for long range or frequent travelling.

“This, in itself, has the potential to improve relations between the traveller and settled communities.

“Permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly outweigh the benefits.”

The supporting statement also outlined that some degree of visual harm must be acceptable to the council if permission is granted as a result of caravans, utility buildings and lighting.

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: “The application for a travellers’ transit site for two pitches has only recently been received and is in the early stages of its assessment.

“Local residents and those consulted have been notified of the application.

“National and local planning policies, including the five-year housing land supply, will be taken into account in the consideration of this application.”

A target decision date is set for July 4.

For more information visit cheshireest.gov.uk/planning.