A gypsy family have had their application to set up a site in a conservation area refused.

Leonard Howard had put in a request to Swale council for the change of use of land at High Oak Hill, Iwade Road, Newington.

He had asked for the stationing of a single static caravan, with space for a touring caravan and vehicles as well as associated works such as hard-standing (which has already been laid), a septic tank and a shed.

Members of the council’s planning committee supported the officer’s recommendation to deny the application.

The site is near the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church and it was felt it would cause harm to the setting and would also introduce “obstructive and alien features within the conservation area”.

Mr Howard had sent a letter to the committee, which was included in the report, and said he is “technically homeless”.

Although he, his partner and his children live in a house in Gravesend so the children can go to school, he says he has been unable to adjust to living in bricks and mortar and continues to reside in his caravan and seeks to find somewhere he can live in accordance with his traveller traditions.

At the meeting, Mel Harris spoke against the plan on behalf of Newington Parish Council. He said: “The amenity will be harmed by approving this and the other Swale conservation sites will then be open to challenge.

Neither the applicant or his family are homeless and this represents a desire not a need to live in Newington.” Mr Howard also spoke and said he cannot see how the proposal would obstruct the listed church.

He said: “I think I’m being treated unfairly. I have done everything that has been asked of me – I have not just pulled up there illegally like lots of people would.” Three people had written in support of the application and 76 objected.