Controversial plans to create three gypsy pitches on land near Wem have been recommended for approval.

Applicant J. Roberts hopes to convert the former nursery at Barkers Green to accommodate three touring caravans for himself, his wife and their three sons, along with the creation of parking for up to six vehicles and a utility and dayroom.

They have outgrown their plot at Prees and wish to live together as an extended family.

However, Wem Rural Parish Council has objected to the proposal, saying it would be development of the countryside and is contrary to their own planning policy, while 22 letters of objection have been received from the public citing increased traffic, concerns over further development and the site not being appropriate for that type of development.

Shropshire Council's gypsy liaison officer, John Taylor, has said all the authority's sites are full with a waiting list of around 35 applicants.

They added: "The applicants have lived on the Manor House Lane site for many years and have no history of anti-social behaviour or neighbourly disputes.

"Their pitch is overcrowded due to the age of the applicant’s children needing their own caravans. The turnover of plots on the Manor House Lane site is low and we would struggle to accommodate them in the foreseeable future."

The application will go before the North Shropshire Planning Committee when they meet on Tuesday at The Shirehall in Shrewsbury, from 2pm.

Also on the agenda are plans to create a poultry shed to house 16,000 free range birds for egg production at Lower Fenemere Farm in Myddlewood, near Shrewsbury.