Residents of a north-east caravan park fear they could be made homeless after plans were lodged to demolish the site to make way for seven luxury homes.
Broomhill Caravan Park at Kintore is home to 16 families who live in a mix of mobile homes, chalets and caravans year-round.
But last week the group discovered site owner Pat Michie has submitted plans to build seven homes on the site to help meet demand for housing in the fast-growing area.
Several of the caravan owners have now lodged objections about the scheme, arguing they live on the site as it is an affordable alternative to housing and that if they are evicted they would need the council to rehome them.
Cathie and Ian Morrison moved to the park six years ago to enjoy their retirement, after downsizing from their family-size home.
Mrs Morrison said: “Everyone has their own story about why they are here. For various reasons, people find this is the most affordable option to them, rather than spending a fortune on rent or a house.
“Several of the people here are like us and retired here.”
Retired engineer Mr Morrison, 71, added: “We thought this was our best option – we thought we were here for the rest of our lives.”
The couple – who found out about the plans on their golden wedding anniversary – are also furious that the tenants were given no warning before the plans were lodged – especially since they bought a new chalet when they moved to a new pitch in March.
Mrs Morrison, 71, whose son also lives in a caravan on the site, said she had already checked to see if another nearby site would be able to accommodate and had been told it would cost at least £50,000 to move.
Her husband added: “Business is business, I appreciate that, but we’re stuck in limbo.”
Mrs Michie could not be contacted by her agents Ryden yesterday, but in a supporting statement lodged with Aberdeenshire Council the firm says: “It is considered that the proposal shall make a valuable contribution to promoting sustainable economic development within an important strategic growth corridor.
“The replacement of a derelict building and 16 permanent caravans with seven dwellings illustrates a viable alternative of reduced density which will improve the quality of life for residents within an area which continues to exhibit rapid population expansion, indicative of high demand for homes in the short term.”