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Concerns raised over proposals for north-east Traveller’s site

The proposed site at Smallburn near Hatton
The proposed site at Smallburn near Hatton

North-east residents have raised concerns over plans to build a Travellers site in a field.

Proposals have been submitted to the council to transform the acre of land at Smallburn near Hatton into a pitch with space for three static caravans.

Gordon Stewart from Ellon wants to convert the area into a mobile home site and there are already two vehicles on it.

It is understood families with children would move into the caravans if the project is given the go ahead.


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Mr Stewart applied for permission to carry out the same project in 2017 and it received more than 50 objections from locals.  It was eventually withdrawn.

Almost 30 objections have been made against the latest development with the impact on the surrounding area, roads, water supply, proximity to the Aikey Brae Travellers site near New Deer and the impact on local schools among the issues raised.

Carrie Cruickshank from Hatton said the development would affect those living close by and claims some construction has already been carried out.

Her objection letter said: “I believe that this proposed development will disrupt the local area due to the potential number of people that could end up living on the site and the entire infrastructure they will require to live there.

“The applicant has clearly started work already with a new entrance layout and walls in place, hard standing for the caravans and what looks like the flat packed sheds for each caravan.”

Alan Morton fears the development would also have a negative impact on local health services.

He said: “There are little or no facilities for the travellers.

“It would put a strain on the local doctors surgery with the waiting list already being two weeks in Hatton and four weeks in Mintlaw for an appointment.”

Mr Stewart could not be reached for comment, but a woman at the site who identified herself only as Veronica said they “did not want any trouble” and just wanted to make a life for themselves there.