Councillors will discuss plans for overnight camper van parking in Stonehaven next week following concerns raised by local residents about safety issues.
The vehicles can often be found “wild camping” on the town’s beach front road next to the Cowie community.
Some residents have raised concerns that multiple motorhomes parking on the road could hamper emergency vehicle access to their homes.
Following a meeting with Aberdeenshire council’s area manager, residents of Cowie, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Stonehaven Town Partnership and the town’s community council, a prepared report will now be discussed at next week’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee.
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Several different options will be considered by members, including the creation of designated overnight parking spaces at various places throughout the town.
In her report, Karen McWilliam said there had been “no concerns” raised by the emergency services about the proposal.
But she added: “There was a willingness to look at what provisions might be considered to enable safe informal parking for motorhomes when the caravan site was full.
“However, it is recognised that some people prefer wild camping.
“In assembling this report, consideration was given to practise in other areas in Scotland.
“In Colonsay, they currently do not allow motorhomes on to the island. And, in Tiree motorhome owners are requested to reserve an overnight pitch before arrival.”
Other areas which are being considered for overnight pitches include Mineralwell Park, Baird Park, Backies car park at the harbour, the lay-by near the golf course, the Leisure Centre car park, the Co-op car park and the town’s Market Square.
The area committee findings will be delivered back to the director of Infrastructure Services for his consideration and he, in turn, will report back to a Kincardine and Mearns area committee meeting in the New Year.
