Plans have been approved for an additional caravan at an Upchurch gypsy site.

It will be installed at Hursell Farm, Chaffes Lane.

A request to convert an existing stable into an extra day room was also given the go ahead by Swale council’s planning committee.

It means the site, which is occupied by applicant Linda Bearup and four generations of her family, will now contain a total of three static caravans and a touring vehicle.

Planning officers recommended the proposal for approval because “it would not result in any additional residents”.

They said an extra day room was “reasonable” as the farm would be home to three pitches.

There are now more than 60 gypsy and traveller caravans in the village.

Upchurch Parish Council objected to the latest proposal for a day room on the grounds it contravened a condition which stated the building should remain for stable use only.

Parish council member, Michael Apps, said he was disappointed to learn plans had been approved.

He said: “By agreeing to an extension, it means more green space will be used up and I’m very concerned the effect this will have on wildlife.

“We also feel there are enough travellers in the village.”