A north-east councillor revealed his lack of faith in the theory of evolution during a bizarre argument over a camp site.
Banff and Buchan area committee will visit a Forglen farm next month before they rule on whether or not its owner can instal seven yurts and three wigwams, despite protests from nearby neighbours.
Ten objectors have lodged concerns about the impact the development could have on the local roads and the River Deveron, but Aberdeenshire Council’s planning officers have backed the project at Silverstripe.
Councillors yesterday agreed to visit the proposed glamping ground before reaching a final decision. And, during a heated debate, local man Lex Allison – who has farmed nearby for 34 years – claimed service to the site would rely on a single-track road that was not fit for purpose.
He added: “It has no pavements for pedestrians and has no passing places.
“When vehicles meet, there is a need for someone to reverse. Sometimes, this can be a considerable distance and onto the main road.”
The camp site would provide parking for up to 26 visiting vehicles.
However, Fraserburgh councillor Michael Watt, dismissed concerns that locals would be inconvenienced by more cars on the road.
Instead, hailing the proposal as “fantastic”, he said the likelihood of two cars coming face-to-face on the route was as “probable as the theory of evolution”.
And then he added: “It’s highly improbable.
“I don’t think there will be 26 cars going up and down this road. I understand the concept ‘not in my backyard’, I really do, but you have got to look at the wider picture.”
Along with Brian Topping, he urged the committee to approve the scheme. But chairman John Cox used his casting vote to push through a site visit.
Fraserburgh councillor Ian Tait, who echoed concerns about the road, did not vote.
