A family of travellers who were refused permission to build two pitches in Langleybury have appealed against the decision.

The scheme, which attracted a petition of more than 500 signatures, was refused by Three Rivers District Council in August.

The plans for two pitches, submitted by Jimmy Cash, show two “double unit” mobile homes, two touring caravans and a utility outbuilding situated between the two pitches.

He said: “Nobody wants a gipsy site in their local area but this site is for me and my family only.

“I've been to all the private site and they have no pitches. We have nowhere to go. There are no houses nearby for the site to affect.”

It attracted complaints from Chandlers Cross, Bucks Hill, Commonwood and Penmans Green Residents' Association and The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

The site, about half a hectare in size, is situated in green belt land by Langleybury Lane. The majority of the area is enclosed by two meter high boarded fencing.

There is currently a clearing which is home to two mobile homes, two caravans and a container.

By law a single pitch can include two stationary caravans, although only one can be used as a residential home.

Protected trees were removed in December 2010, which is now part of an ongoing investigation.

An injunction was then served on April 12 of this year, ordering no more trees were to be felled, and no caravans or mobile homes to be stored on the site.