CONCERNS have been raised that a plot of land which could site a Romany Gypsy caravan is unsuitable because of the lack of infrastructure - and could lead to more applications.

West Dorset District Council is currently dealing with an application for the change of use to one strip of land at a field at Marl House, between Frampton and Maiden Newton.

According to the application, the applicant wishes to change the use of one plot of land to one Romany Gypsy pitch and associated works, including a caravan, a shed septic tank and hard standing.

But local residents say that a 'yes' could set a precedent for use of the land.

Concerns have been raised that the site is not suitable to live on because of the lack of infrastructure, lack of roads and shops, and safety concerns have also been raised about the access to the site.

Chairman of the Frampton Parish Council Stephen Hebb said that people had until August 8 to reply to the application.

A village meeting was held last night to allow villagers to ask questions and discuss the application.

Mr Hebb said the proposal had 'snuck up' on residents.

He said: “We as a parish council have been rather overcome by the speed of it all really.”

Mr Hebb said the parish council objects to the site because there are no facilities on the site, including drainage, water, electricity and infrastructure.

There are also no shops in Frampton and no bus stop.

He added: “It’s very ill-conceived.”

In the covering letter that accompanied the application, Rushton Planning Limited, acting for the applicant, said that the site was sustainable, and therefore should be granted permission on that basis in line with the National Planning Policy Framework.

It says that while the site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the proposals do not obstruct the objectives of the AONB, that there is an unmet need for residential Gypsy and Traveller sites in West Dorset and there is an absence of a five year supply of deliverable sites to meet the accommodation needs of Romani Gypsies and Travellers.

The letter adds: 'West Dorset has to date failed to comply with the requirement in Planning Policy for Traveller Sites that it can demonstrate an up-to-date five year supply of deliverable sites to meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers.

'We are of the view that the lack of a five year supply of deliverable sites in West Dorset and the significant unmet need should be given significant weight in the consideration of a permanent permission.'

It concludes that: 'Given the outstanding identified need in West Dorset, this application represents an opportunity for the Local Planning Authority to meet a proportion of this need without expense to anyone other than the applicant.'

Ruston Planning Limited could not be reached for comment as the Echo went to press.