ANGRY villagers turned out in force last night to protest at plans for a gypsy site in Bromham.

About 50 people attended the parish council meeting in the social centre – there was not enough room in the small committee room to let them all in.

Residents are upset at plans for a static home with a day room and space for a touring caravan, septic tank and parking on a field in New Road.

Villager Andy Fawthrop, of New Road, circulated a leaflet yesterday warning people about the planning application that was published on Saturday.

He said: “I don’t think it’s the right place for this.

"This is agricultural land in an isolated position and it is a stupid place to propose this sort of development. They want to put earth mounds and a fence around it – it’s going to look like a compound.”

He and other villagers also fear that if planning permission for one family is approved then others may follow.

There will now be a public meeting next Tuesday at 7.30pm in St Nicholas Church. The objection period has also been extended until January 15.

Mr Fawthrop said: “Everyone is pleased that more information will be available and they will be told how to object.

“It was impossible for everyone to get the paperwork and have their say by the original deadline of January 1.”

Parish councillor Pam Thomas, of New Road, said she hoped protesters would keep objections to planning issues.

She said: “We are a friendly and welcoming village. I would hate it if people allowed their prejudices to come out.”

Agents Thurdleigh Planning Consultancy said that the application was on behalf of a gypsy family living in Semington.

The report said: “The applicant is currently living within a cramped authorised traveller site at Semington.

"Whilst an application has been submitted to expand the Semington site, there is insufficient space to accommodate all the family members. The applicant is in need of a permanent site as they are soon to find themselves without a settled base.”