SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S supremo on travellers' policies does not want a gypsy site on Yate's Road to Nowhere.

Cllr Allan Higgs, the council's executive member for corporate affairs which includes policies on travellers, says he does not want to pursue plans for a gypsy encampment on the site on Yate Common.

His comments are despite Local Plan inspector David Fenton's recommendations that travellers should be allowed to set up homes there.

In his December report, Mr Fenton said South Gloucestershire Council should seriously investigate the possibility of creating a permanent travellers' site on the land currently enjoyed by dog-walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The recommendation has been met with a wall of opposition from the Yate community, particularly from residents living near the site.

Now Cllr Higgs has sided with residents, stating he has no intention of progressing plans for such an "unsuitable development" on the Road to Nowhere, which has often been used for filming BBC show Casualty.

Cllr Higgs said: "The area is common land and must be protected from any form of development, whether it be housing, or in this case a travellers' site.

"The area provides a priceless asset for local families and residents and is widely used for recreation and walking. With a lack of sufficient open space in Yate for the needs of the population, it is important that what does exist is not lost to unsuitable development of any kind."

He confirmed his negative stance on the recommendation, adding: "I think it is vital that local residents are reassured that there is no intention on my part, or I believe the rest of the council, to accept this suggestion and develop a travellers' site on this sensitive location.

"Travellers' sites need to be sensitively located and take into account the views of existing residents and the needs of the community.

"It is clear that this site would not be suitable and that the council will have to give consideration to how it addresses the travellers issue in the future."

Council spokeswoman Debra Davies said Mr Fenton's report was still being examined by council officers. She said the council's own report would be presented to the two development control planning committees and the planning select committee in February and will then be discussed by cabinet members in March.