A GYPSY traveller site has been blocked by councillors.

A bid was made to turn open countryside into a site for four pitches, one mobile home, one touring caravan a utility building, car parking and a play area in Hook.

Residents were concerned that development on The Paddock in Hook on the A3102 that runs through the village would cause further drainage problems and flooding if more homes were created.

Wiltshire councillor Mollie Groom said: “When this road was built it was for horses and carts, it cannot take the extra pressure. The waterworks piping is dreadfully inadequate. The residents are going to be severely compromised if this is agreed.”

Another objector added: “The chalet style properties are out of keeping with the village and the proposal would impact the existing rural nature of the area.”

Planning officers recommended approval of the site, the Western Area planning committee rejected plans.

At the same meeting a small gypsy traveller site was approved in Leigh, near Swindon.