An 'inappropriate' summer only gypsy site for up to 25 units has been approved at the former Piddlehinton army camp.

The site will be set up without site cctv – despite a call for cameras to be installed.

Planning committee chairman councillor Sherry Jespersen said that even though there would be no cameras on the site, there would be site security staff.

The committee heard there is a camera outside the site on the entrance to the business park, but councillors heard this was only to monitor traffic in and out of Enterprise Park.

Dorchester Cllr Les Fry had called for the use of cctv to reassure local residents and the occupiers of the adjacent business park. His plea was backed by Shaftesbury Cllr Tim Cook, but the resolution was withdrawn after hearing that it would be difficult to impose in planning terms.

Planning officer Hugh Williams said he did not believe cctv was necessary to monitor the site and it would be inappropriate to impose a planning condition requiring it. He said it was also unnecessary to make site security staff a condition of planning. Council solicitor Phil Crowther backed the view saying that the tests for insisting on cameras in planning terms had not been met.

The Dorset Council consent is for a month less than previous temporary site approvals, starting on April 1, rather than March 1, and running until the end of August 2023.

The 2.25 hectare site, on the south eastern edge of the former army site off Church Hill, adjacent to the Enterprise industrial park, has been used since the 2012 Olympics. It is about 600metres from the permanent gypsy and traveller site.

When not in use, the land, which is dotted with trees, reverts to being a pony paddock. An extra hedge is planned for the western edge of the site.

Cllr Jill Haynes, ward member, told the committee that the site was inappropriate when first approved and remains inappropriate, being next to a thriving trading estate and close to the permanent site where a sudden influx of travellers could cause friction.

She said despite this she would not object to the site now because of a lack of alternatives but hoped that this would be the last time an application was brought forward by the council.

Planning committee chairman Cllr Sherry Jespersen said it was disappointing that the outstanding gypsy and traveller policy had never been concluded leaving gypsy sites to be decided on an ad hoc basis.

The meeting heard there had been no consultation with local schools about the impact of the site, should travellers arrive with children, but this was not a matter for the planning committee.

Councillors heard there was only a standpipe near the gate to supply water and portable toilets would be made available when people were on site.

Legally the council has an obligation to provide transit sites for gypsies and travellers with a review expected later this year as part of the local plan consultation process.