A controversial scheme to create a travellers site in Aberdeenshire is facing an uncertain future after the Scottish Government called in the application.
Aberdeenshire Council origbacked the plans at North Esk Park in St Cyrus, but that could be overturned by ministers in the months ahead.
Councillors were told their decision to approve the site may conflict with national flood policy.
In April, Aberdeenshire councillors voted strongly in favour of granting permission for the park as an official halting and touring site, despite council officials recommending refusal.
At the full council meeting, the site was approved by 41 votes to 25, despite concerns being raised over the “mortal danger” faced by the families who moved on to what is flood plain land in September 2013.
But now, councillors have been told the application will be discussed further by government officials and that it believes “the issues raised would benefit from further scrutiny by ministers.”
North-east Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone reacted positively to the news yesterday.
He said: “Although, on the one hand, I welcome the fact this has been called in for further scrutiny, I believe that to do so solely on the basis of the flooding issue is deeply flawed.”
“The fact is that in this case, the planning system has not just been ignored, it has been completely trashed, and the democratic process has appallingly colluded in this, arguably because of previous failures to provide halting sites.”
“Of course, the flooding issue is a substantial problem, but this case throws the spotlight on much wider concerns.
“Not least of these is the fact that it sends out the message that people can buy a field and build a village on it without any kind of authority, and then simply wait for the planning process to exhaust itself.”
“A review of written submissions is not enough to fully examine this case. It needs a public local inquiry, because this case has significant national implications.
“It is not acceptable for the Scottish Government to take the easy option because the alternative would be too costly.”
A Scottish Government spokesman responded: “The St Cyrus planning application was called in by ministers in view of the proposed development’s potential to conflict with national policy on flooding.
“As it is currently under the consideration of Scottish ministers, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of the case at this time.”
