A DECISION on whether to allow a major expansion to a prominent gypsy site has been delayed. Owners of Moorland Park in Hewish want to turn a 1.8-hectare field next to the site into a 'village' for travellers with 12 caravan pitches. Moorland Park Develop

A DECISION on whether to allow a major expansion to a prominent gypsy site has been delayed.Owners of Moorland Park in Hewish want to turn a 1.8-hectare field next to the site into a 'village' for travellers with 12 caravan pitches.Moorland Park Developments says it has a list of gypsy groups in the area which would move onto the site and says it would help to stop illegal camps appearing in North Somerset.Council officers want a 'needs survey' carried out to prove there is demand for 12 more pitches in the district.But at a meeting of North Somerset Council's south area committee this week, councillors decided they have dithered enough over the application and will make a decision next month after a list of conditions have been drawn up.The plans were first submitted to the council last September but were delayed so the authority could carry out a survey of traveller groups.Councillor Tom Leimdorfer said: "We have a local businessman who wants to create a provision for us."If we assume enforcement action goes ahead on other illegal sites in North Somerset, then at least families living on sites such as the one in Yatton will have somewhere to go."But not all the councillors felt the extension would provide a service to the district. Councillor Liz Wells said: "I am concerned because there have been a lot of problems at Moorland Park over the years.