RETROSPECTIVE plans to extend a traveller site have been criticised in Davenham.

The parish council said it felt the travellers were 'taking advantage of the system' with their application to add two caravan pitches with amenity toilets, hardstanding and gates at 1 Oakland Park, off London Road.

Original plans for two pitches and four caravans at the site were approved following an appeal in March 2013.

Last year the Charlotte family, which owns the site, applied to vary conditions imposed by the planning inspector at that appeal and add four pitches for four caravans at the site.

This was approved by CWAC's planning committee in October but concerns were raised when the site, which had permission for six pitches and eight caravans in total, contained 10 caravans.

Davenham Parish Council complained to CWAC in the light of the retrospective application for the extra caravans.

Speaking at the latest parish council meeting Cllr Katie Mattinson, vice chairman, said: "The basic gist was that we felt that the traveller site was able to do whatever they felt.

"They applied initially for a stable, then one static and two mobiles then more and more mobiles were coming in and they kept applying for retrospective planning permission.

"We felt this was unfair and was taking advantage of the system and that the site wasn't being properly enforced.

"CWAC said they understand but feel they are enforcing it.

"Even though they are advising them to apply for retrospective permission it's not a guarantee they will get it.

"They feel the process is in order."

She added: "We will continue to raise objections if and when we are invited to."