Parish councillors have hit out at plans for a temporary site for travellers on green belt land, writes Nick Evans.

Kennington Parish Council fears this would set a dangerous precedent for future developments and fear trouble between travellers and those living on a nearby permanent gypsy site.

Council clerk George Ross said: "This site is totally unsuitable for this sort of thing first of all because it is tip land, and not even fit for growing trees let alone housing people and secondly because of the proximity to the permanent gypsy site. There is often trouble between different sets of travellers and siting it here would be crazy."

The Vale of White Horse District Council also opposes the proposal.

It says the plan would contravene green belt planning guidelines and go against Oxford City Council's own local plan. Although 29 sites were originally identified as suitable as a the temporary stopping place for travellers, that figure has now been reduced to ten, two of which adjoin Kennington Road. The city council is looking to address the problems of trespass and unauthorised camping resulting from travellers entering and occupying city council land.

Since the beginning of 1998, there have been 30 cases of travellers occupying council land illegally. At a meeting of the Vale's Planning and Development Committee in Cumnor Mr Ross said the proposed site would be the latest in a long line of developments in the area.

Already lying close to the proposed sites are the Redbridge Park and Ride site, the waste collection site and a permanent camp. All three developments were allowed after public inquiries.