Martin plans to return to his isolated Norfolk farm

Planners want to place the 40-caravan site on land at Walpole Highway near Martin's farm Bleak House in Norfolk.

But some residents are angry at the proposal - after reports Martin, who was freed from jail on Monday, has a �25,000 price on his head.

Martin, 58, served three years behind bars for shooting dead 16-year-old burglar Fred Barras and injuring accomplice Brendon Fearon, both members of the travelling community.

Plans for the site near Emneth Hungate in Norfolk, first went before the council 11 years ago, and have now been revived.

Sheila Brown, a nearby resident, said: "We heard last week that they were going to open another travellers' site in the village.

"To us, with Tony Martin living here - it's a mile as the crow flies - I think it's absolutely disgusting.

"There's enough travellers' sites around here, and half of those are half-empty."

But King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council say as things stand they will be recommending the site for approval.

Seven officers man a police station at Bleak House

Meanwhile, Norfolk Police on Tuesday defended the heavy police presence at Tony Martin's farm.

Police have set up a temporary police station outside the farm which is manned throughout the day, after a number of threats against the farmer and his property.

A spokesman said: "We are making a proportionate response to the situation we are faced with.

"Given the situation and the report of threats against Mr Martin, it would be irresponsible if we did not do that, and indeed we would be criticised if we did not do that."

He added that police were also on hand to ensure traffic safety given the heavy media presence at Bleak House.