A PLAN  to add more pitches to a controversial traveller site near Pershore has been revealed.

An application to increase the size of the traveller site by adding six more pitches at Duffledown Farm in Upper Moor near Pershore has been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

The added pitches would accommodate four traveller families each with space for two caravans – including a static mobile home – as well as three further ‘transit’ pitches.

The site has proved controversial when a number of families illegally moved onto the land 20 years ago.

The traveller site off Evesham Road was approved in 2007 despite being turned down by Wychavon District Council.

After a planning application was rejected by council planners and then government inspectors after an appeal, a public inquiry was held where the plan was eventually passed with the then Secretary of State Ruth Kelly giving the green light.

A plan to build 16 mobile homes alongside space for 16 caravans was rejected twice in 2019 and 2020 by Wychavon District Council.

At the time, West Mercia Police said it had “serious” concerns about the move saying adding more pitches would reach a “tipping point.”

“There is already a significant number of gypsy and caravan pitches, located over seven separate sites in the Hill and Moor area,” the force’s design out crime officer said in an objection.

“I am of the opinion that the Hill and Moor parish has reached ‘the tipping point’ where any more pitches are likely to place undue pressure on the local community and the respective quality of life of those residents.

“Additionally, West Mercia Police has seen an increase in reported anti-social activity such as air rifles being fired at wildlife, dogs running loose, people entering neighbouring gardens stealing wood, starting fires with groups then gathering and drinking. Other reports include children throwing stones at vehicles on the main road.

“Such is the anti-social behaviour that West Mercia Police took the action of serving a community protection notice warning to one of the part owners of one of these sites.

“I am of the opinion that it is not an unreasonable assumption that an increase in pitches may lead to an increase in inappropriate activity.”

You can have your say on the plan by visiting Wychavon District Council’s website. The application number is W/23/01678/FUL and consultation ends on October 5.

Please note, a picture of Duffledown View was used instead of Duffledown Farm. We apologise for the error and have changed the picture.