Plans to turn a pitch with eight traveller caravans near the county's atomic weapons establishment into nine permanent pitches have been approved.

Previous attempts were objected to by Aldermaston Parish Council which also said that the homes were often rented out to non-travellers.

“There is a danger that the site becomes a mobile home park which is rented out in a DEPZ [Detailed Emergency Planning Zone] area,” it said.

West Berkshire Council had previously refused the application on the grounds that the occupation would place unacceptable burden on the off-site emergency plan and leave the occupiers at risk in the case of an emergency arising from nearby AWE.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation also objected to the plans and recommended the council refuse the bid.

The emergency planning team said caravans/mobile homes are not suitable means of providing shelter from a radiation incidents.

Despite that, the council has approved the plans, subject to approval of an emergency plan from the applicant.

It says: “The use shall not commence until an outline Emergency Plan for the site has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

“The Emergency Plan must cover the processes for activation of the plan, sheltering, supporting the vulnerable residents, staff and visitors whilst in sheltering conditions, evacuation and recovery.”