Police are to be called in over "offensive and defamatory" online comments about a proposed Gypsy and traveller site.
Plans to turn part of a car park overlooking Whitsand Bay in South East Cornwall into a Gypsy site have been put on hold because of the alleged comments.
Moves by Cornwall Housing to build two permanent Gypsy and traveller pitches on Tregantle car park sparked anger among local people.
Unauthorised travellers have used the site for years, and if the proposals are approved, they would be able to stay permanently. The planning application submitted to Cornwall Council would also see improvements to the car park at Tregantle.
At least 160 objectors made their views known on the council's planning website.
But last Friday the comments were removed unexpectedly.
A council spokesman said: "Cornwall Housing has asked the council to hold the application in abeyance for up to six months due to the nature of many of the responses posted online and on social media sites which they state are extremely offensive and defamatory.
"The comments deemed offensive and/or defamatory will be referred to the police for the appropriate action to be taken. In the meantime all responses have been removed from the council's website.
"The council understands that people may have concerns but has a duty to meet the needs of Gypsies and travellers as well as the settled community and this debate needs to be held in a measured way.
"In the interim the council will meet with the parish council to discuss their concerns and the proposals set out in their response to the application."
The council said there had been travellers living on the site for a number of years.
"As the council does not have alternative sites for travellers and Gypsies in this area the aim of the application is to reduce the impact of this site on the local area," a spokesman said.
Cornwall Housing is Cornwall Council's arms-length housing company.
The planning application covers a part of the Tregantle Fort car park on the B3247 in Tregantle, a few yards from the South West Coast Path and overlooking Tregantle Beach.
The work would include hardstanding, landscaping and amenity block and alterations and improvements to the public car park to form 149 formal car parking spaces.
Funding would come from the Homes and Communities Agency. The application was originally down to be heard on May 22.
It is thought there were about 160 application comments online on Thursday, but on Friday they were taken down.
An internet petition has been set up to oppose the plan, at epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/49157
