New gypsy and traveller site pitches in a West Norfolk village have been approved, despite neighbour's concerns.
Plans for four new gypsy and Traveller pitches on the south side of Small Lode, Upwell, were brought before West Norfolk Council's planning committee on Monday.
The site, which sits in flood zone one, is made up of 0.18 hectares of unused agricultural land, boarded by two homes and another 11-pitch traveller site.
"I feel we are now surrounded on all sides by travellers sites and we are completely dominated," said Clive Payne, a Small Lode resident.
Mr Payne said the development of the first traveller site had lead to an increase of floodwater in his garden and every year it drew closer to his property.
Prue Lester from Upwell Parish Council supported Mr Payne, arguing that the site would break planning policy that states travellers sites cannot dominate a local community.
"The reason we are looking at these additional pitches is so our children have somewhere to go," said applicant, Mark Stevens.
"We have to drive through this part of the property to get to the part that is already licensed, it seems silly not to license it for the kids."
Mr Stevens said he was "more than willing" to include additional drainage measures and was happy for it to be included as a condition.
"We are overcrowded," Mr Stevens added, "they're all married and need a place to take the children to school."
Labour's Charles Joyce said he was unable to vote on the item, arguing that information on whether the applicant and their family were actually gypsies had been withheld from them as decision-makers by officers.
Committee chairman and Upwell ward member, councillor Vivienne Spikings, said they were, adding: "I've known them since the inception of that particular site.
"They run a very tidy site, there's never any trouble, they integrate well into the neighbourhood, we've never had a problem."
However, Ms Spikings added a good neighbour would have addressed drainage issues already.
The four pitches were approved 13 for, two against and one abstention, with a condition for drainage.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here