Ellon site approved following resolution of travellers site conflict

A new business park has finally been approved for Ellon after debates over a travellers site threatened to derail the plans. The proposals, which would include offices, storage space and a hotel, are earmarked for a site at Balmacassie, west of the town.

The development was previously discussed by full council at a meeting last month, but was deferred due to confusion over a neighbouring travellers camp which is also planned for the site.

It emerged during the last meeting that planners had struck a deal to include a temporary camp which would be built, demolished and moved several times during the site’s construction.

The deal would have meant that as new industrial units were erected the travellers site – including its toilet and shower block – would be torn down and the local authority would have to submit a new planning application.

However, after councillors deferred their decision, the authority went back to the negotiating table with property agent Knight Frank, acting on the behalf of applicant Susan Davidson.

Yesterday officers confirmed a site has been identified pitch.

Councillors welcomed the progress with the proposal and resoundingly approved the scheme.

The authority’s co-leader, for the caravan Richard Thomson, who also represents Ellon, said: “This provides some muchneeded employment land for Ellon which as we all know is a rapidly-growing town.”

Mr Thomson’s ward colleague, Rob Merson, added: “It’s fantastic news – there’s a lot of good progress being made in Ellon.

“I’m somewhat disappointed that the gypsytraveller site has come to the fore and this exciting development seems to have been ignored.”

The travellers site will be temporary and will be in place until the business park development is complete.

“Officers confirmed a site has been identified for the caravan pitch”