This is Leicestershire --Protesters are preparing to renew their fight against proposed official traveller camps in Leicester.
Plans for sites in Red Hill Way, in Mowmacre Hill, and Greengate Lane, Beaumont Leys, were submitted to Leicester City Council yesterday.
Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the managed sites would help prevent unauthorised encampments springing up.
However, Terry McGreal, spokesman for LE4 Action Group, said: "We accept there is a need for sites but we don't think these are the right ones."
The group staged a fierce campaign when the council proposed 10 pitches for gypsies and travellers on the former Corah sports ground at Red Hill Way and six at Greengate Lane last year.
It collected 2,700 signatures on a petition, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living outside the city.
Campaigners said they were hoping the council's planning committee could be persuaded to reject the plans.
The proposals have been submitted by Framework Housing Association, which would develop the plots. The land is owned by the council.
Mr McGreal said: "The appetite to fight this remains.
"The council is both landowner and planning authority, so we know we have a tough task.
"This has also been the mayor's pet project and he has been determined to see it through but we can hopefully persuade the councillors on the planning committee.
"We need good planning reasons to get these turned down and one of the arguments will be these sites are green wedge and there is a presumption against developing."
Sir Peter said the decision was now out of his hands. "It is entirely for the planning committee to consider independently," he said.
"However, I very much hope it will find them to be acceptable.
"I feel there is a necessity to have authorised sites if we are ever to sort out the nuisance of unauthorised sites."
If permitted, each pitch would provide parking for two caravans plus vehicles, and each site would have a small, private amenity building.
The sites would have gates and defined boundaries.
The Government's Homes and Communities Agency will provide money towards the cost of developing the pitches.
Last year, Framework was awarded £4.3 million to provide 50 pitches in Leicester and surrounding districts.
Operations director Michael Leng said: "Framework has worked closely with the city council and multi-agency gypsy and traveller unit and has incorporated feedback from gypsy and traveller representatives in the design."
The city council said 40 pitches were required to meet demand and other sites around the city were being sought. Reported by This is 2 hours ago.