A GYPSY site in Morecambe is to be extended because there is a shortage of traveller pitches in the area.

City council planners have given consent for the Oxcliffe New Farm gypsy caravan site on Oxcliffe Road to be enlarged with eight extra pitches.

The site owners say that they have around 30 gypsy families a week looking for pitches, which leaves families with nowhere to go because Lancashire County Council's gypsy site is full, the committee heard.

Councillors agreed there was a genuine need for extra gypsy accommodation and that an extension was compatible with neighbouring uses.

Planning officials advised members that approving extra gypsy sites in 'appropriate locations' was essential if the city council was to have a good case for resisting them in inappropriate ones.

"The current unauthorised gypsy site at Out Moss Lane is an example of this," a report said.