A TRAVELLER said he feels victimised after a planning application for stables has received a number of objections.

David Curtis previously applied for planning permission in Marlow Road, Cadmore End for a gypsy caravan site for nine pitches- five transit and four permanent.

This was refused by Wycombe District Council as it said it would "negatively impact on the special character and intrinsic landscape qualities of the Chilterns AONB and the rural amenity of the area generally."

Now Mr Curtis, who lives in Studley Green, has put in a planning application for a change of use of land to keep horses, build a stable block with improvements to existing access and the provision of a parking area.

But he has been surprised by the response of residents, who have objected to the proposals.

The 48-year-old said: "I am getting the same objections I was getting with the gypsy site. I understand what objections I was getting with the gypsy site. But now I feel victimised over it.

"I know I lost with the gypsy site- I couldn’t get the permission and I took it on the chin."

But now he said he wants to use the land, which is also in the Green Belt, for his horses.

Objections to the plans are generally focused around the area not being big enough to keep three horses, questions over whether the land is contaminated, road access and recent cases of neglect of horses on small plots in the area involving RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

Isabelle Jolly, who lives in Cadmore End, said: "Potential contaminated land is a real issue if used to graze horses. The main road will be used to enter and exit horses with a serious risk of accident as entrance to High Barns is a blind entry, "We are also concerned that once water pipes are installed on this plot, caravans may well enter and remain on site and establish themselves."

Planning officers comments on the proposal said the road should not be widened, as this would lose an important, species rich hedgerow, and the layout should be revised as the current plans are too spread out Lord Michael Parmoor, who lives in Lane End, said the land is not big enough for three horses to graze and asked where the resulting muck from the stables would be stored, as it is a fire risk.

He added: "What animals will use the stables? There is inadequate pasture for 24/7 use. Is the site aimed at short term stays? If so, where will the vehicles transporting the animals stay?"

Mr Curtis said he has checked the land and there is no contamination and he said there is adequate space for the horses.

He said: "I just want somewhere to keep my horses. It is it a separate application for pre-fabricated stables to go on there."