A PLAN to build a travellers’ site which could be home for dozens of families just outside Witney has sparked concern among neighbours.

West Oxfordshire District Council is considering a planning application to provide 12 caravan pitches on the site of a disused quarry, off Riding Lane, north of Crawley.

The plan would help the council meet a target of creating 14 new pitches for travellers in the district, set by the South East England Regional Assembly.

Tony Smith, who has made the application, said more sites for the travelling community were needed.

But people living near the site say they are worried about the impact the development would have.

Les Smith owns the Smith Bros scrapyard next to the site and is the cousin of the man behind the application.

He said: “I’m dead against these plans, and so are a lot of other people. I want to speak to the council if it does get passed, because I will want them to find us another yard.

“I don’t want a load of travellers down here next to us.”

Mr Smith said there could be between 100 and 300 people living on the site.

Gary Brewer, a gipsy and traveller liaison officer at Oxfordshire County Council, said each pitch was designed for one family.

But he admitted this could include extended family, which could allow up to six caravans on each plot.

Mr Brewer said: “It would then be down to the site owner to ensure there was a six-metre gap between each caravan, according to fire regulations.”

Frank Taylor, who owns nearby Chasewood Farm, said: “I think the problem with traffic congestion is going to be enormous. I’m also angry that I wasn’t sent a letter about these plans, as I’m not classified as a neighbour.

“I don’t think the council has done enough to let people know what’s happening.”

Lauren Basson, who also farms near the site, said: “This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the traffic impact alone will have a detrimental effect.”

But the applicant – who is also a member of the travelling community – defended his plan. Mr Smith, of Burford Road, Minster Lovell, said: “It will be no different to the other site I own in Minster Lovell.

“We have never had any problems there and the authorities are aware of that.

“I actually think the privately run sites are better than those run by the council, and there’s a need for more traveller sites in Oxfordshire.”

He said he would be happy to meet Crawley residents to discuss their concerns.

Consultation letters have been sent to parish councils in the area.

Crawley Parish Council chairman Colin Dingwall said: “We plan to get everyone together to hold a meeting to see what their feelings are.”

The councils in Minster Lovell and Hailey plan to hold meetings.