Aberdeenshire Council has received strong views after holding a public meeting regarding proposals to the Aikey Brae site.

Proposals have been submitted to develop the disused quarry site into an authorised Gypsy/Travellers stopover site, having previously been used unofficially by Gypsy/Travellers visiting the area.

The proposals for Aikey Brae would see the creation of 14 pitches and a water access point, and when in use, the council would provide one portable toilet per family and collect waste on a weekly basis. The development would also include landscaping and the creation of a secure boundary to the site.

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The proposal was initially considered by Aberdeenshire Council’s Gypsy/Traveller Sub-Committee, the authority’s Policy and Resources Committee, and the Buchan Area Committee. Following the public meeting, consultation will take place with Gypsy/Travellers until August 2013, when a report will be brought before the Buchan Area Committee. A report will then be taken back to the Policy and Resources Committee for consideration.

If the scheme is approved, the planning process would get underway. It would, however, involve further local consultation before a final decision is made by the area committee.

Those present at Monday's meeting were told the Scottish Government recognises Gypsy/Travellers as a minority ethnic group, adding the council must meet the accommodation needs of this group.

Aberdeenshire Council currently only has one permanent site at Greenbanks at Banff, which provides 20 pitches from March to September each year. There were 53 unauthorised encampments across Aberdeenshire in 2012.

Despite the Council's arguments, a straw poll was conducted and found most of those present were opposed to the proposal, with none showing support.

(JP/CD)