RESIDENTS living on a caravan site in Hampshire who had been told to move out have been given a three-year reprieve.

Mayles Lane in Knowle, north of Fareham is where two Romany gypsy families live. They have previously been told to move out, but the Planning Inspectorate and now Winchester City Council have concluded they can stay for three years.

The council has agreed to the three-year stay of execution, so they can form an adopted plan on travelling sites.

Wickham Parish Council, however, has objected to the plan as it is on the strategic gap.

It also fears the site may expand, and there has been evidence of anti-social behaviour and clashes with neighbours.

Dr Angus Murdoch, a specialist town planner, said there are now eight children on the site and the three-year temporary permission should be approved as they have “integrated” into the local community.

Councillor Ian Tait said he supported the plan but criticised the council for the way it has dealt with traveller families.

Cllr Tait said: “My belief is that it should be a permanent application, it is unreasonable behaviour by this council, these are real people and there is a moral imperative to do something more.

“I do not know why we have so many of these coming to the city council; we are fighting the applicants all the time and we are losing.

“We are being unreasonable and unfair to these communities.”