A pilot scheme that would allow Traveller communities to camp for short periods of time on land throughout Perth and Kinross is being proposed by the council.
The proposal would see Travellers entitled to occupy council-owned sites for a period of 28 days after they appear in an area, so long as they stick to a code of conduct.
Under the deal they would not be permitted to return to the site for 12 months after they leave.
The system is being proposed as a way to deal with ongoing issues around unauthorised sites being used as makeshift camps.
Details emerged as a group of travellers moved into the former Murray Royal hospital site in Perth on Friday.
In March the council was forced to present a formal eviction notice to a group who had set up at Perth Food and Drink Park without permission around three months earlier.
Officers hope the “negotiated stopping sites” proposal will reduce the number of unauthorised encampments at unsuitable locations while continuing to support Traveller culture.
Peter Barrett, housing and communities committee convener, said Perth and Kinross Council had a “duty and responsibility” to provide services for the Travelling community.
Liberal Democrat Mr Barrett said: “Negotiated stopping places are an alternative to the traditional enforcement-based approach to unauthorised encampments.
“The approach involves dialogue and negotiation between the council and Travellers who pass through the area.
“All negotiated stopping sites will be in suitable places that will not bring the travellers into conflict with the local settled community.”
Mr Barrett said sites would be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be monitored by council officers at least once a week.
“If the agreement is breached the people responsible will be asked to leave,” he added.
He said the scheme was already being used by Leeds City Council and had brought “significant” advantages.
In Perth and Kinross, the plan is to carry it out in partnership with the Scottish Government and CoSLA.
Members of the housing and communities committee will be asked to approve the negotiated stopping sites pilot scheme at a meeting on Wednesday.
If councillors approve the proposal a future update will be brought to the committee, detailing the outcomes of the trial and making recommendations for the long-term future of the scheme.
