A GIPSY is to appeal to the Secretary of State after plans to create a caravan site on the outskirts of Darlington were refused by the borough council.

Jim Mounsey wanted to change the use of his land on Blackwell Moor Farm, in Snipe Lane, near Stressholme Golf Course, to house six caravans.

The site would include wash houses, lavatories and showers and home members of his family, some of whom are elderly and sick.

Despite being recommended for approval by council officers, the proposals were rejected by members of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee for the second time last March.

It feared the development would damage the countryside.

Councillors also felt there was unsatisfactory access to the nearby A66 trunk road.

A council spokesman said that although an official appeal had not yet been lodged, it was expected to go ahead in the next few weeks.

Hewie Smith, president of the Gipsy Council, has helped Mr Mounsey since his first application was rejected.

He said: "The biggest problem across the North-East is that there isn't enough accommodation for gipsy people.

"People like Jim Mounsey should be encouraged to provide the accommodation that is needed."