A GYPSY family has won the right to set up a controversial caravan park on a Hampshire farm after a year-long planning battle.

The Pages have defied parish chiefs and residents by winning an appeal which will allow them to live in Bowen Farm, Curdridge.

Three Romany Gypsy couples and their five children will move into caravans and look after animals including eight horses, seven dogs, chickens, ferrets and a cat.

Upset residents say it will ruin the rural character of the Meon Valley village.

Winchester City Council rejected the scheme last year after 21 objections, with officers warning it would lead to "urban sprawl" on the cramped rural site.

Overturning that decision, a government planning inspector said the scheme would conserve the area's tranquillity and "local distinctiveness".

The family has owned the land since 1996 and can now move in.

Its use is limited to three pitches and a play area, and any future sales must be to fellow travellers.

Curdridge Parish Council objected to the plans in 2014, citing "factually inaccurate" evidence on issues including drainage and access.

Chairman Kevan Bundell said on Tuesday: "The Parish Council is pleased to note that the planning inspector’s decision addressed all of our concerns – and other issues - through the list of planning conditions included in his report, including restricting permission to the three mobile home/caravan pitches requested, although the inspector did allow future sale of the land, but only to other members of the traveller community and under the same conditions."

The bid was launched by consultants on behalf of Noah and Penella Page, of Ratcliff Road, Hedge End.

During the dispute Jennifer Page and Paul Bilton have lived with relatives in Botley while the third couple, Penella Page and Daniel Strickland, live with their two children in West End, Southampton.