A plan to extend a 20-year-old gypsy and traveller site has been opposed by a parish council and the area’s Cornwall Councillor.

Both say an extension to the Paddock on St Stephens Road, Sticker, would be inappropriate and could lead to road safety issues near an activity park used by children.

Mr H Crocker has applied to Cornwall Council to extend the site to include six mobile homes, four day rooms, five touring caravans and one plant room.

The matter will be discussed by the council’s central area planning committee on Monday after being called in for a members’ decision by Cllr Michael Bunney.

He is concerned the proposal is “inappropriate, because of its location, as it represents over-development of the site and is contrary to St Mewan Neighbourhood Development Plan. The over-development will also adversely affect the natural environment and character of the area”.

Cllr Bunney believes there is an unsafe access onto St Stephens Road, which is close to Sticker Activity Park.

St Mewan Parish Council says the plan would lead to over-development. It also argues the site is an “incorrect location for this development which will create additional traffic close to the activity park”. In addition, the council says there would be inadequate parking on the site which could produce overspill onto the verges or neighbouring land.

The council also disputes the land is currently a gypsy and traveller site, claiming it was given temporary permission for one family.

Furthermore, it states: “The council has concerns regarding contamination of the site as a result of illegal disposal of waste and requests that the Environment Agency be consulted about this matter.”

Despite the objections, the application has been recommended for approval subject to conditions by Cornwall’s planning department.

Case officer Alex Lawrey said: “The site is pre‐existing and has been in lawful use as a gypsy and traveller site for more than 20 years and the proposal would not extend the area of the plot, only changing the numbers and type of structures within it, so whilst there would be some landscape impacts these would be relatively minor and detrimental impacts could be effectively offset and mitigated with additional soft plantings.”

The council believes the proposal would help meet an identified need in Cornwall for additional gypsy and traveller pitches, is of appropriate size and proportionate scale to the nearby village and is located within a reasonable distance to services and facilities. This weighs in favour of approving the application, according to the officer.

“The proposal would increase the intensity of use of the site and would add additional traffic to a minor rural road. However, subject to improved visibility splays this is not considered to represent a material risk to highway safety,” a planning report adds.