A permanent gypsy site could open in a south Bucks village after proposals were submitted last month.

Land south of West Hyde Lane, Chalfont St Peter, could be turned into a caravan site for residential use if the plans are given the green light.

The plans have been submitted by South Heath-based Bucks Floating Support Gypsy Council (BFSGC) on behalf of Mr and Mrs Noah Stanley and their family for a “stable” place to live.

The family, who have been described as Romani Gypsies, currently live on the land after temporary consent was granted following a previous application.

The consent expired in 2016 and an application has now been made to change the land use from agricultural to residential.

According to the design and access statement, the site will contain two static caravans, one touring caravan, one utility block and parking for four vehicles, as well as associated hardstanding and septic tank.

The statement said: “This proposed site is ideal as it is not remote from the village, although the site could be said to be in a semi-rural location.

“As this site is already frequently visited by the occupants in relation to the upkeep of the horses, and as the site has already been granted a temporary consent, any further impact from granting permission for the proposed development would be limited.

“The Stanley family is an established well known Romani Gypsy family, the applicant regularly travels for purposes of trading and earning a living, when the family travel they regularly attend such as markets, horse fairs and other family and cultural events etc.

“It is important that the family has a stable place to live so they can access healthcare and education.”

The BFSGC added that the Human Rights Act was “engaged in this situation” and any planning decision “needs to be considered with a view to the HR Act, Article 8 particularly.”

They also said the new pitch could “help to alleviate or prevent overcrowding elsewhere” and the fact that the family are Romani Gypsies is “important” because they are “entitled to respect for their traditional way of life – an integral part of which involves living in caravans”.