A Government inspector dismissed an appeal against the refusal by Fenland planners to allow a gypsy travellers’ site in Whittlesey.

George and Eileen Price, of Crease Bank, wanted the three extra caravan pitches on land they had bought next to their home.

However last year Fenland Council refused their application following concerns over flooding and that the development was “visually incongruous and unduly prominent”.

Mr and Mrs Price lodged an appeal, saying that the pitches were needed to accommodate their father, Christopher Fitzjohn, who is in “poor health” and suffers from diabetes, sciatica and arthritis.

They also said that refusal of planning would cause “considerable distress” to the family.

Dr Robert Home, who appealed on behalf of the couple, said “new flood risk defences between Peterborough and Guyhirn are nearly completed” and that any flood risk is “greater to the north” of the town, rather than the south where the site is located.

However, the appeal was dismissed by inspector Christa Masters after a visit to the site in August.

She said the site would be “in clear conflict” with development plans which “seek to protect the appearance of the area.”

Ms Masters added that she had “insufficient evidence to conclude that both the development plan policies and framework have been satisfactorily addressed” on this issue of flooding, and that building on the site “would be a risk to future occupiers.”

Ms Masters did, however, take into account Mr Fitzjohn’s health considerations, saying the site would provide “suitable” accommodation for him, but said that “the harm identified” regarding flooding and appearance “outweighs the other considerations.”