FEARS that Cotford St Luke could be facing a "North Curry scenario" with an influx of Romany gypsies in Dene Road are unfounded, according to the landowner.

Several residents contacted the County Gazette when a park home and a smaller caravan were put up on the site at the weekend without planning permission.

Last September, Taunton Deane Council granted permission for a stable block, but park homes are not allowed.

The owner of the land, who wishes to remain anon-ymous, said: "This is not a North Curry site - it's just one family.

"Everyone's saying it's a bigger gypsy site. We're not gypsies, but an ordinary family housing ourselves."

Residents and councillors in North Curry have fought for years against an illegal travellers' site in Oxen Lane, and now Cotford residents fear the worst.

District and parish councillor Tony Beaven said he was mediating between residents and the people on the site and the options included going to appeal, which would be costly, or for the buildings to be moved down the field and out of sight.

Mark Formosa, Conserv-ative spokesman for Taunton Deane and a North Curry resident, said: "I'm aware of the issues and emotions involved here, and I therefore have grave concerns as to whether the situation in Cotford St Luke can be resolved sufficiently quickly." A Taunton Deane Council spokesman said a temporary stop notice on the site had been served on Friday that prevents operational work being carried out.

A planning application was submitted to the council and is in the process of being registered.

A further stop notice has been issued to prevent any further caravans going on the site and investigations into the background of the applicants are continuing.