Gypsy and traveller groups may face an uncertain future after plans to sell five sites were announced by the council.

Sites earmarked for travellers across the county are set to go on the market after Bucks County Council admitted it was the “only viable option” as the authority faces increasing budget pressures.

The land is being sold as 'going concerns', with the sites in Amersham, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Iver and Burnham expected to be kept for traveller use once sold.

However, the possibility remains that housing developers could bid for the site, and should change of use permission be granted, current residents could be forced to find other land.

Cabinet member for planning and environment, councillor Warren Whyte, said: “We recognise this is a potentially controversial move and that it will be unsettling for residents.

“But in the end, it's the only viable option to properly safeguard the sites in the longer term.

"When it comes to marketing, the current planning conditions for each site will be made absolutely clear.”

Cllr Whyte added: “I want to make sure that, whoever the new owners or managers might be, that site residents have the same level of confidence that they had when we managed the sites.”

The areas of land which are set to be sold are Green Park, in Amersham, The Orchards, in Chalfont St Peter, Wapseys Wood, in Gerrards Cross, Mansion Lane, in Iver and Bottom Waltons, in Burnham.

Since 2004, BCC has had no legal responsibility to provide Gypsy and Traveller accommodation although it continued to do.

District councils - which would make any planning decisions over change of use - are still legally obliged to provide sites for travellers.

County council bosses now say that in line with other councils who have already taken the decision to dispose, preparations for sale are now being made in Buckinghamshire.

The residents and pitches on site are protected under the mobile homes act 1983.

A further, formal cabinet member decision will be made before any final sales are confirmed.