BROMHAM villagers are celebrating after Wiltshire Council turned down plans for a gypsy site in the village.

Hundreds of people wrote to protest about the scheme and three public meetings were held to allow villagers to voice concerns.

On Friday the council decided to throw out the plan for a static home with a day room and space for a touring caravan for a traveller family from Semington.

A report from officers said: "The proposed development would have an adverse impact on the character and

appearance of the area."

It said the scheme would have introduced an urban element into a rural area and high fences around the compound who make it even more obvious from the road and footpaths.

The council also decided it went against core policy for meeting the needs of gypsies and travellers.

The news was greeted with relief by villagers who feared the lack of gypsy sites in Wiltshire might have given the plan more weight.

Villager Andy Fawthorpe said: "There is much joy and jubilation. After several months of uncertainty, and a great deal of public concern in the area, Bromham residents are absolutely delighted that Wiltshire Council has made the decision to refuse the application.

"After three public meetings, the employment of an independent planning consultant, and over 500 letters of objection, it’s pleasing to see that common sense has prevailed.

"The application was rejected not by any anti-traveller or gypsy prejudice, but on a number of very clear planning grounds, including that of road safety and sustainability.

"The phone-lines and email around the village are buzzing with the good news. It’s like a burden has been lifted from the community’s shoulders. It shows what can be achieved when a village community gets itself organised, gets behind the parish council, and pulls together to speak with one voice. We’re over the moon."

Parish councillor Pam Thomas agreed and said: "I think it was the right decision made for the right reasons. This was completely the wrong place for this type of development."