ATTEMPTS to gain permission for a traveller pitch near Thatcham have been rejected.

More than 280 residents in the Cold Ash area objected to the scheme on the grounds of traffic generation and highway safety.

Workmen began unauthorised building work at Lawrences Lane in August, prompting West Berkshire Council to issue a stop order.

Official planning permission was then submitted by the site owners for seven traveller pitches comprising of seven static caravans, seven day rooms, seven touring caravans and associated works.

But the move was turned down by West Berkshire’s eastern area planning committee after officers recommended its refusal on the grounds of highway safety and the impact on the local rural character of the area.

Lawrence Lane is a narrow, unclassified road connecting Thatcham and Cold Ash, which has been earmarked locally as a cycle and rambling path.

The committee heard, at a meeting on Wednesday, November 17, that the applicants had latterly proposed a passing point in the road, but it was deemed inadequate.

Alan Law (Con, Basildon) said:  “How would we react if this wasn’t a traveller site? However, the reasons for refusals are valid.”

Alan Macro, (Lib Dem: Theale) said:  “This is an unsuitable site for a caravan site, towing caravans up and down that narrow lane, and the effect on ramblers and cyclists using it for recreational purposes.”

Thatcham and Cold Ash parish councils also objected to the scheme.