Locals voice traveller concerns

Kevin Keane
Fife reporter
BBC Scotland news website

Residents are angry that travellers have moved onto the site

Objections have been raised against a proposed travellers site in Fife where construction work has already started.

Residents packed into the chamber at County Buildings, Cupar on Monday for a specially convened Departure Hearing.

It allowed all sides to put forward their views on the development ahead of a decision from local planners.

There was anger that officials had not done enough to stop the work. The travellers' agent said moving onto the site was their only option.

Immediate action

A request was made for a permanent site for six travelling families on land close to the B919 road, near St Michaels.

Twenty five official objections have so far been received by Fife Council.

Speaking at the meeting, Scott Finnie, from the Leuchars Community Council, said: "By far the biggest objection is the fact the applicants have gone ahead with the site despite not going through the application process.

"We would urge the council therefore to take immediate action now."

Many people were concerned that the site would be given the go-ahead to avoid the costly process of having to force the travellers off the site.

This is a classic example of a group of people running roughshod across the planning process Des Montgomery

Alan Hynd, who represented residents on the Drumoig estate, said: "We do not want to be presented with a fait accompli.

"If the permission is rejected, we would seek to return the land to its original state."

Landowners' spokesman Des Montgomery added: "This is a classic example of a group of people running roughshod across the planning process."

Planning legislation means councillors are not allowed to take into account the fact that work has already started on the site.

Forbes Marr, speaking for the travelling families, said: "I advised my clients not to move onto the site.

Construction work on boundaries at the site is well under way

"As they had already bought the land, their only alternatives were to pitch onto the roadside and they decided this was the better option."

A report detailing the objections will now be written for planning councillors to consider.

The campaign to stop work on the site has the backing of Iain Smith MSP, who represents North East Fife.

He said: "I share the very valid concerns of local residents about the unlawful use of this site and the blatant flouting of planning laws.

"I am continuing to press Fife Council to do everything in their powers to resolve the situation as soon as they possibly can."

A final decision is not expected to be made until 30 January at the earliest.