The group, who moved onto the land on the south side of Lancaster Road last year, have applied to Wyre Council to use the site to station caravans on eight pitches with hard standing.

They say they need a single storey utility or day room for washing, bathing and cooking facilities.

It is to minimise the risks associated with cooking and fire in the close confines of caravans and for the maintenance of basic hygiene.

The application has been put together by Green Planning Solutions, who say it has been designed with reference to the Model Standards for Caravan Sites under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act.

Patrick Durdon, who lives on the site, says the travellers have children and elderly living on site.

They have pledged to plant additional hedgerows and trees to minimise any visual impact.

Willow planting will also take place along the inside bank of the ditch which forms the western and southern boundaries of the site.

But neighbours have spoken out against the travellers' move onto the site.

One resident, who asked not to be named, told The Gazette: "It's been horrendous, they are ruining green land."

Lionel Marr, clerk to Preesall Town Council, said the application would be considered by councillors at their next meeting next Monday.

They would then make a representation to Wyre Council.

Mr Marr said: "We are a consultee so we will discuss the application and give our comments to Wyre Council.

"The residents have been a bit upset. It's a green field site that has been converted into a park of caravans.

"We will see what happens."

Another group of travellers who have set up camp on land off Fairfield Road near Poulton have submitted a similar planning application to Fylde Council. It proposes 15 caravan plots and includes details of the use of cesspits, rather than a mains drainage system, and the siting of both static and touring caravans.

The plans can be viewed in full on the Wyre and Fylde Council websites.