The National Trust has said it is against proposals to convert an area of land in Greater Manchester into a permanent site for Gypsies and travellers.
Part of Oldfield Brow, near the Bridgewater Canal on the outskirts of Altrincham, has been identified in a draft local development plan published by Trafford Council.
The National Trust, which owns the land, said the plan “undermines the potential of the site to support our long-term stewardship of [nearby] Dunham Massey”.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The council has a statutory obligation to identify a site for caravans for Gypsies and travellers through the Local Plan.”
The National Trust has been in discussions about selling the land, which includes a derelict 19th Century cottage and a large garden.
“We were surprised to hear about the change of site allocation,” said the charity.
The draft Trafford Council local plan said any development would need to deliver “two Gypsy and traveller pitches, with sufficient space for parking”.
The document also said there would need to be “sufficient space for manoeuvring caravans, as well as an amenity block with external plug sockets”.
Nearby resident Ruth Gallagher, 64, said the land was close to an industrial estate.
She said this meant “roads are chaotic at any time with lorries turning around” and added: “To have children, families, dogs and horses there is just not viable.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “There is an identified need for provision for two residential caravans within the borough.”
A public consultation on the draft plan will run until 3 November.
The council added: “The final version of the Local Plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate next year.”