A MEON Valley father has dismissed criticism of his plans to build a gypsy and traveller site for his children.

Danny Smith wants to convert land near Gravel Hill, Shirrell Heath, into three caravan plots for his daughters, aged 24, 21 and 18.

The plans, resubmitted last month, have upset residents who say the site would change the feel of the village, threaten road safety and close the settlement gap with nearby Waltham Chase.

“It’s up to them if they want to complain,” Mr Smith said, adding that the site would be a “quiet” family home.

“I understand when people say ‘oh, a gypsy site’ – they think there’s going to be mess every-where. I’ve lived in the area for 32 years – my property is not like that. It will be clean and tidy and it will be kept that way as well. It’s ideal for travellers to settle down and get them off the roads.”

Mr Smith said he has not designed the site for use by local traveller Noah Page, the Hampshire Chronicle can clarify.