Aberdeenshire Council has apologised to a bed and breakfast owner for its handling of a controversial Mearns Travellers’ site next to her business.
Kath Smith complained to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, claiming the authority failed to take “meaningful” action to stop the Travellers from building an unauthorised halting site near St Cyrus Nature Reserve.
Travellers arrived in September 2013 and then built a site with electricity, fencing and roads, with around 20 caravans in place.
Mrs Smith claimed the council’s inaction allowed the development to be completed, which led to a detrimental impact on her business and home and also put her at risk of flooding.
The ombudsman upheld her complaint and ordered Aberdeenshire Council to apologise and to develop an action plan to tackle such matters.
Last month, councillors rejected the Travellers’ retrospective plans for 10 stances and associated facilities at the North Esk View site, but the Travellers’ lawyers have indicated they could appeal to the Scottish Government.
Mrs Smith said she would still be living next door to the camp until the three-month appeal period expires, but was pleased with the ombudsman’s decision.
She hoped the report would focus the council’s mind.
Stephen Archer, director of infrastructure services for Aberdeenshire Council, said: “The council accepts that it has made mistakes and did not progress matters as quickly as it should have done, particularly after two previous planning applications were withdrawn.”
Aberdeenshire Council can take action to clear the site if the Travellers’ appeal is unsuccessful.