Plans have been submitted for the expansion of a private traveller's site on the edge of Grantham.

George Gaskin of Green Acres, Harrowby Lane, Harrowby, seeks to extend the site from an earlier approved 2 spaces to 3.

The planning application to South Kesteven District Council will come before a council meeting next week after Coun George Chivers (Con-Belmont) 'called in' the application due to concerns over the principle of development, the impact on the character and appearance of the area and the scheme's impact on residential amenity.

The site is situated to the north side of Harrowby Lane, close to the eastern edge of Grantham. It already has permission for two caravan pitches.

The application to come before next Wednesday's meeting of SKDC's planning committee seeks permission for an additional pitch on the existing site, comprising a static caravan and parking space for two touring caravans.

Council consultation led to no letters of representation from nearby residents but Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without Parish Council has raised concerns about the scheme.

They question what has changed since two previous sites were approved and note an amenity block is now detailed as a dayroom.

A report by SKDC planning staff says the principle of the site being used as a traveller site has been previously established.

It continued: "The current application does not seek to expand the extent of the site beyond that previously approved.

"The site is adequate in size to accommodate an additional pitch and provide acceptable living conditions for the future residents.

"The proposed use is therefore established and acceptable in principle and in accordance with local plan policy H5.

"The applicant has submitted a personal statement explaining how the need for an additional for a family member has arisen and included details of the proposed occupier who is accepted as being a bona fide gypsy."

The report concluded: "Having regard to the nature of the site as an existing traveller site and the scale and design of the proposal, it is considered that the proposal would not result in any unacceptable impacts on the character of the area, residential amenity or highways impacts.

"The proposal would contribute towards meeting the Council's need for Gypsy accommodation and is in accordance with Local Plan Policies."