THE future of a Hampshire family of travellers who want to stay in Swanmore is hanging in the balance following a planning appeal.

Edward Hughes and his family are appealing against council enforcement notices that allege they are turning land near Buena Vista, The Lakes, into a private camp without permission.

The family say they would have nowhere to go if forced to leave the site.

They want to add two further mobile homes and toilets for the extended family, which includes 17 children, to three existing homes.

Henry Hughes, 30, said the family bought the land more than two years ago after leaving the county council traveller site near Wickham, where there had been never-ending disputes with other families.

The father-of-five said the family had chosen the Swanmore site because of its proximity to schools and amenities.

But he admitted they had not consulted with Winchester City Council about their plans for mobile homes on the land.

Mr Hughes said if they were forced to vacate the site they would have nowhere to go.

Planning consultant Nigel Hecks, for the family, said there was a lack of private traveller facilities in the county.

But town planner Brian Crooks, for the city council, told inspector Graham Bailey that development on the site was restricted as it was in an area of undeveloped land. The inquiry heard there had been four letters in support of the council's position.

The inquiry recommences on Thursday, July 1, at Winchester's Guildhall.