Gypsy families have been refused planning permission to stay on a greenbelt site which has been their home for more than a decade.

It marked the latest battle in a saga involving multiple applications, enforcement orders and appeals over the site in River Lane, Leatherhead.

Frustration was voiced on both sides of the divided community during a planning meeting where permission was refused by Mole Valley District Council on April 2.

Jenny Moore, who runs community shop B@titude in Leatherhead, told the council that she had submitted a petition signed by 323 residents calling for the families to be allowed to stay.

Of the last decade, she said: "It’s taken an indescribable emotional, physical and financial toll on these families as well as costing the council a hefty sum. It really is time for this to come to an end."

Sue Wood, who spoke on behalf of fellow residents in River Lane, expressed strong opposition to the plans and frustration.

She said: "Here we are 10 years down the line and still no closer to resolving the situation."

A year ago Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, upheld Mole Valley Council's earlier decision to bar families from settling permanently in River Lane.

But Mr Pickles criticised the council for failing to find another site for the families and gave them leave to stay until April 2016.

Ms Wood said: "I’m amazed to be back here so soon after the Secretary of State’s ruling that this site should not be approved as a permanent gypsy site. This is an unacceptable loss of greenbelt."

But the agent for the gypsy families Matt Green, from Green Planning Studio, who spoke in favour of the application, said: "We feel there is a considerable increase in openness as a result of the proposal and urge you to assess this benefit to the greenbelt."

A majority of councillors voted to reject planning permission.

Officers recommended refusal on the grounds of protecting the greenbelt and countryside and lack of "material change" since Mr Pickles' decision in April 2013.

A council consultation, which ended last month, explained the progress the council has made in identifying sites for the traveller community in the development of a district-wide plan.

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