Council loses out over gypsy site

Some nearby residents had expressed concern about the site

The Scottish Executive has ruled against Aberdeen City Council in a row over a gypsy travellers' site on the outskirts of the city.

Families have been living on land at Dyce, within a few miles of an official travellers' site at Clinterty.

Earlier this year Aberdeen City Council refused retrospective planning permission for five permanent pitches.

However, a Scottish Executive reporter has now upheld an appeal against the council decision.

There had been objections from a number of people living near the former agricultural land amid fears of an "unsightly mess" and planners recommended refusal.

'Over the moon'

The Scottish Executive reporter has now ruled that it is a suitable location, is already well-screened and is not out of character with its surroundings.

A representative for the families welcomed the decision and said they were "over the moon".

Aberdeen City Council said it was still studying the ruling.

A council spokesman said it was aware of its conclusions and was concerned to see any committee decision overturned.