PEOPLE in Seend will have the chance to discuss plans to put a gypsy pitch on land in the village when the parish council meets on September 26.

Romany traveller William Sherred has applied for permission to Wiltshire Council to create one pitch and and a timber clad day room on land off the A361 at Blossom Hill, Trowbridge Road.

Parish council chairman Tony Murch said: "We will discuss this proposal at our usual monthly meeting. I expect there will be quite a few people who will have something to say.

"But we have to look at this purely from a planning point of view. Anyone who is interested will be welcome at the meeting which starts at 7.30pm in the community centre in Rusty Lane."

An agents report on the plan submitted to Wiltshire Council says: "This proposal seeks planning permission to change the use of the land from agriculture use to a Romany traveller site, accommodating one pitch.

"The proposal includes the erection of a timber clad day room, siting of a static home together with space for the parking of two cars, a mobile home, space for a garden and the siting of a cesspit. The remaining land will continue to be used as a paddock."

It says the pitch would be occupied by Mr Sherred who at the moment lives outside of the area with his mother who has suffered poor health.

The report continues: "As a recognised Romany Gypsy he has nowhere else to live. Mr Sheered is the Gypsy Council representative covering amongst other areas, the administrative district of Wiltshire.

"He has and continues to have a good working relationship with the council and community groups and is a well respected Romany gypsy. He has family in the area and is well known locally."

In the past he has been involved in plans for land in Yarnbrook and Bratton.