A CONTROVERSIAL traveller transit site is a step closer in Southampton after plans were last night approved by the city council.

Despite qualms about speed limits, queuing caravans, relocating protected slow worms and other environmental problems the council's planning application was narrowly passed.

Opposing sides argued their case for the site on land at Monks Brook off Stoneham Way in Swaythling during a four-hour special session of the city council's six strong planning panel.

It followed more than 500 written objections to the plans for the 12-caravan, six-plot site, which would house gypsies and travellers for up to three months.

Council inclusion manager Linda Haitana said there was a clear need for a camp in the city with up to 22 illegal encampments each year and 15 since March, while the site was picked from a "fair, objective and thorough" selection process.

Two Labour and a Lib Dem councillor carried the vote with two Tory members, whose incoming administration oppose the site, dissenting.

For more, and what happens next, see today's Southern Daily Echo