A group of travellers want to establish their own permanent base in Aberdeenshire.
In what is believed to be the first case of its kind for the local authority, self-declared traveller George Stewart has lodged an application for a site he owns at Wester Craigie, Whitecairns, near Balmedie.
He is proposing to build static accommodation to house his own and another family, and space for moveable caravans, cars and amenities.
His Edinburgh-based agent, Forbes Marr, said they are looking for a base from which to continue their nomadic lifestyle but lock into services such as health and education.
Under the plan, a gravel driveway would lead up to two chalet-style caravans which will remain on site at all times.
There would be space to park a maximum of six cars and enough room for a further two touring caravans, which would allow them to travel during the summer, house teenage girls as per custom, or provide accommodation for occasional visitors.
Each site would have its own gas supply tank, electricity and fresh water supply, but they would share a septic tank.
A hedge, trees and shrubs will also be planted on the site, which is currently scrubland.
Mr Marr said: “Scottish Government policy and guidance confirms that privately owned and operated permanent pitches resolves the accommodation needs of gypsy traveller households.”
He said that government guidance notes on travellers say applications like Mr Stewart’s should be “sympathetically considered” by planning authorities.
He said that the council’s de-facto ban on building houses in the countryside does not apply because it is not a proposal for a dwelling house.
Mr Marr has had 11 years’ experience representing travellers in planning applications throughout Scotland.
“Travellers live by their mobile telephones and I assisted someone in Fife who wanted to establish a private travellers site 11 years ago.
“The application took more than eight years and went all the way to Scottish ministers. From that point on my name was passed on to travellers whenever they had a similar issue.”
He said a decision on Mr Stewart’s application is not expected for another two months.