Moray travellers' site appeal fails
AN appeal that was launched after Moray Council turned down a travellers' site near Lhanbryde has failed.
The site for gypsy travellers at Doohill, Easter Coxton, had initially been denied by councillors in February this year.
An appeal was subsequently made to the Scottish Government by landowner George Stewart, and others, to overturn the decision.
Explaining his reasoning to deny the appeal, Scottish Government Reporter Roger Wilson said there needed to be a "balance" struck between the rights of travellers to enjoy a private and family life, against the need to protect the surrounding area and characteristics of the local environment.
He wrote: "Planning permission is refused because the damage to the rural environment outweighs the potential family benefits."
The decision has been welcomed by Fochabers-Lhanbryde Councillor Douglas Ross.
"This has been a long battle but I’m glad at the end of the day the Scottish Government Reporter has confirmed this is an inappropriate location for a travellers' site," Councillor Ross said.
According to Moray Council, Mr Stewart was seeking six pitches for himself and his extended family on the land, which measures approximately 900 square metres.
For the full story, see next Friday’s ‘Northern Scot’.
