COUNCILLORS have refused permission for a travellers’ site on a north Herefordshire farm.

The retrospective application for a temporary change of use from agricultural land at Lower Field, Ash Farm, Barnett Lane, Wigmore, was rejected by members of the northern area planning sub-committee last week.

The plan for one family to live on the land has been referred to the head of planning services, who will decide whether to send it on to the main planning committee.

The applicant, Alison Cleverly, has temporary permission for a travellers’ site on another part of the farm.

Herefordshire Council’s environmental health department had no objection as a further 100 plots for travellers need to be set up in Herefordshire before 2012.

Wigmore Parish Council objected to the scheme, saying it could encourage more caravans to visit the site. One letter of objection said the site was an eyesore and the plans would attract further travelling families to the site.