A GIPSY family is bidding to move onto land set aside for horses because the home they were forced into is too small.

Robert Smith has applied to convert a piece of equestrian land on Snipe Lane, Darlington, into mixed use to also include a private gipsy site.

The land, at Southfields, just to the south of the A66 near Blackwell Moor Farm, is home to horses and a stable block.

The family has applied to Darlington Borough Council to add a mobile chalet because their home in Claremont Road is too small.

Mr Smith lives with one of his daughters, her husband, and the couples two children.

Because of the living arrangements, Mr Smith sleeps downstairs on a collapsible bed-settee.

A supporting statement with the application also stated that the family had previously lived on other traveller sites but had been forced out.

The Gipsy Council, who confirmed Mr Smiths gipsy status, said that members of the family lived in Bedlington, Northumberland, while others had moved to sites in Darlington.

The application site is only for a single family, who will live there during the winter months. From March to October, they move around the region.

The chalet will be built in features matching the buildings already on the site. An extra amenity block is expected to be built.

The stable block on the land was originally refused by council planners until a second similar bid was approved.

An application statement said: "The nature of the living accommodation proposed will be a mobile chalet.

"This will not be a permanent structure and will retain the ability to be transported therefore adhering to the definition of a caravan which is defined in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act.

"It is intended that the site be used in a way which would complement the existing facilities at Southfields and would enable Mr Smith to live on the site."

Ian Holme, from Hurworth Parish Council, said: "I haven't seen the application and without seeing it I cannot comment.

"However, it will go to the parish council for consultation so we will put out views across then."