Business owners living near land at the centre of discussions for a permanent traveller site have raised concerns over the controversial plan.

On Tuesday it emerged at a Minster Parish Council meeting that talks are underway between the UK Gypsy Council and a local landowner about establishing a 15-pitch site on a concrete area behind the Co-op petrol station and McDonald's in Minster.

If it goes ahead it would be the district's first official traveller site, although no formal planning application has been submitted.

A spokesman for Thanet District Council confirmed discussions were taking place about a proposal to establish a site in Minster.

"These discussions have not involved the council so far," she said.

"Any proposals would need planning consent and no planning applications have been submitted."

Business owners living near to the site say they are concerned about the impact a permanent site could have.

One, who asked not to be named, said he feared potential problems such as rubbish and noise.

"I'm definitely not supporting this," he said.

"What we've been seeing across Thanet is travellers pitching up, leaving rubbish and human excrement, and causing problems for people.

"I don't think this is a good idea."

Another admitted it was unlikely business owners and people living nearby would support the proposal.

The Gypsy Council, which argues permanent pitches are better than unauthorised sites, has been asked for a comment on the Minster plan.

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