A GROUP of travellers have been given a former football pitch to use as a camp two years after they occupied the site.
Findon Park, in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, has sat largely empty for the last eight years after it was previously played on by local sports clubs.
3
But traveller caravans and vehicles moved on to the privately owned land without permission.
An application to change the recreational land into a Gypsy Travellers site was later lodged with Aberdeenshire Council.
The Press and Journal has now reported that councillors have approved the application.
It comes despite 170 objections and complaints from angry residents about noise, mess and out-of-control dogs.
A bitter row over the site also led to a committee chairwoman stepping down after she caused a storm by claiming that “gypsies are not British people”.
The football pitch will be retained following talks with Sport Scotland.
3
Stonehaven councillor Sarah Dickinson, who had backed the application, said the pitch retention was “very welcome”.
She added: “This sort of distance from a settlement is preferred by the Gypsy/Traveller community.
“We know that there is need here for this sort of site, although this will be specifically for private use.”
Pans include five caravan pitches, with each to have its own shed.
A kennel block and parking spaces were included in the plan too.
The sporting ground will remain in place, but will only be allowed to be used by the travelling community living there.
It is understood that the dilapidated buildings and former dugout on the site will be demolished.
The application was approved by 46 votes to 15.
