Scottish ministers deciding the fate of the unauthorised St Cyrus Travellers’ site have been told to “learn lessons” from the Grenfell Tower fire.
Referencing the tragedy in London, concerned residents said the authorities must take “serious heed” of expert advice or risk “gambling with people’s lives” if they give the development the green light.
A report is being considered after Scottish Government-appointed reporter Rob Huntley’s inspection at North Esk Park in December. A decision is expected within three months.
A letter to ministers from “concerned residents” states: “In light of the devastating and tragic fire in Grenfell Tower, lessons should be learnt, and governments, councils and planners must take serious heed of what experts are telling them and not take the easy or cheaper route.
“Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish ministers have been informed by the experts – Sepa, Aberdeenshire’s flood department and the police service – that this development is a tragedy in waiting.
“With the science fraternity warning that global warming is increasing the likelihood of serious flood events now, and in light of the serious and very frightening flash flooding experienced in Cornwall recently, giving this development the green light would be totally irresponsible and cowardly and would be, in effect, gambling with people’s lives, properties and livelihoods.
“Scottish planning policy specifies the need to err on the side of caution.
“I trust the Scottish Government ministers will take serious note of the experts advice and refuse timeously this development planning permission as autumn and winter are fast approaching.”
The letter also raises concerns about the only access road to the site often being flooded despite being described as “vital as an escape route”.
“Serious concerns” regarding landslip risk, the single track road, the scale of the development and constant noise issues were also highlighted in the letter.
North Esk Park has substantially expanded since the first temporary homes appeared in September 2013.
Aberdeenshire councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of granting permission for the creation of an official halting and touring site in April 2016.
The owners applied for retrospective permission, which was approved due to a lack of other sites for Travellers in the council’s Kincardine and Mearns ward.
But the application was called in after Sepa confirmed the site had flooded in 2002, 2012, 2013 and in the aftermath of Storm Frank on December 30, 2015, when residents had to leave their caravans because of rising water levels.
The Scottish Government said its aim is to issue a decision in 80% of cases within two months and within three months of receipt in 100% of cases.
When Scottish ministers issue their decision, it is considered final unless an aggrieved party appeals to the Court of Session within six weeks.
