A travelling family who built a home on protected countryside near Keymer were told a council would be "unlikely" to be able to find them an alternative site.

Romanies William and Sarah Smith went before a public inquiry for the second time yesterday to make their application to turn the leafy spot off Lodge Lane, near Keymer, into an established gipsy site.

The couple said their five children had settled in at local schools and their seven-year-old son Billy had a medical condition which meant he needed a stable address to allow his treatment to be co-ordinated.

Mid Sussex District Council's planning investigation officer, Adrian Palmer, told the hearing he had visited the area several times since 1999.

He said there was "perpetual noise nuisance" from generators.

Julian Till, housing needs manager for the council, said the family had built up rent arrears in their previous housing association home.

Barry Hunter, West Sussex County Council's gipsy liaison officer, said there were no vacancies on any of the county's 11 permanent sites for travellers.

He said there was pressure for places, adding: "I certainly cannot remember a time when we have had vacancies on pitches which we have been unable to fill."

He said Mr and Mrs Smith had never applied for, and would be unlikely to get, a pitch.

He said: "In normal circumstances we would certainly be able to accommodate this family within the county but it depends how flexible they are and the number of pitches they require.

"From some of the evidence I have read, they have said they are not willing to go to certain sites because of previous problems.

"It is normally difficult for us to accept anyone with previous rent arrears.

"However, there are always circumstances to be taken into consideration beyond what you hear."

Tim Hickling, principal planning officer at Mid Sussex District Council, said the family were a special case.

But he said: "You have to consider and balance that against the impact to the area of outstanding natural beauty.

"There is no reason why they should not move outside Mid Sussex as far as I can see."

A public inquiry to decide the matter was first opened in May this year but was adjourned until yesterday.

The hearing continues today.