West Berkshire Council planners give eight reasons for refusing proposed gypsy caravan site in Hermitage

Planners have listed eight reasons why a proposed gypsy caravan site should not be allowed off Hamstead Norreys Road in Hermitage.

Dozens of objections were lodged against the proposal to put two caravans and mobile homes on the site.

The application site is located within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

Despite being located alongside the embankment of the M4 motorway and the B4000 Hampstead Norreys Road the council says the site sits among arable fields interspersed with mature hedges and trees and is of a rural, greenfield character.

"The proposed works would locate a mobile home and stables together with associated hardstanding, parking and domestic paraphernalia in a location where it would be clearly visible in public views from the adjacent road and the footpath/cycleway to the north, and would result in a significant urbanising impact on the character and appearance of the site and its setting within this part of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape," said the refusal notice.

Planners also said the proposal will result in an unacceptable threat to the sustainability of trees the subject of Tree Preservation Orders.

Other reasons cited for the refusal included a lack of proper paperwork about the impact on wildlife, and the effects of flooding.