Traveller site sparks clash with councillors

Motion to visit Kinross-shire site defeated as enforcement of planning permission rules discussed

Councillors are at loggerheads over how to deal with a Traveller site in Kinrossshire, with one claiming it is a “major concern” to local residents.

A meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s development management committee was held yesterday, when council members discussed a paper on an enforcement update regarding the site at Crookmoss, Crook of Devon.

Conditions were previously imposed on the Travellers living at the authorised site as part of planning permission. These related to noise, drainage, water supply and landscaping.

Councillor Michael Barnacle, an Independent representative for the Kinross-shire ward, said he felt both he and local residents should get to visit the site, to gauge “what was going on.”

“This site is a major concern for the local community,” he told the committee.

“I have not been allowed to visit the site but feel both myself and residents should be permitted to do, to see its general appearance. The question of the appearance of the site is raised by residents so I feel we need a site visit to clarify what is going on there.”

However, Colin Elliot, a legal adviser with Perth and Kinross Council, said there were “fundamental” problems with this from a legal perspective.

“The authorised person to visit the Travellers’ site is the council enforcement officer,” he said.

Mr Barnacle later put forward an amendment which suggested local residents could be allowed to visit the “environs” of the site, to “address the community’s concerns.”

But this was defeated by a motion submitted by Councillor Willie Wilson, a Liberal Democrat member of the committee.

“Suggesting a site visit isn’t going to take us anywhere,” he said.

Eddie Jordan, an enforcement officer with Perth and Kinross Council, told the committee there is now an “additional” illegal pitch on the land, and this person will have to seek planning permission. However, he added this is unlikely to be granted.

The committee heard there have been no further complaints from residents about noise and that a waste water connection for the pitches should be built soon.

Councillors were also told Scottish Water are making progress towards providing a water supply for the Travellers.

Mr Wilson’s motion was to agree the recommendation of a paper drawn up by Mr Jordan that the imposed planning conditions are progressing towards resolution.

The Traveller site near Crook of Devon is a cause of concern for locals, according to a councillor.

Michael Barnacle said locals should be able to visit the site.