Caravans get the green light – article by Scott Milne The Courier & Advertiser Thursday 17th December 2020
Councillors have approved plans for a caravan site in rural Angus despite safety concerns raised by nearby residents.
Proposals for a caravan site containing 41 static homes in Brigton of Ruthven were narrowly voted through by Angus Council’s development standards committee on Tuesday (15th December 2020).
The site is near the village of Ruthven, on the Angus and Perthshire border.
However, several nearby residents spoke out against the application at the meeting citing safety concerns. The application was for a change of use, with the site formerly a tree nursery. It was claimed the narrow roads in the area will lead to an accident, especially when the school children are on holiday. The site’s proximity to the “ferocious” River Isla was also mentioned. Among the residents who spoke out was Liz Hamilton, who said the plans were not in keeping with the surroundings. Mrs Hamilton Said “The population is probably no more than 60 to 80. The application will change the demographic completely – more than doubling the population.”
Despite the objections, Councillor Alex King reminded the committee the plans were recommended for approval and an appeal with the Scottish Government would likely succeed. A motion to approve the application won by six votes to five.
The application was brought forward by Perth based Morris Leslie Ltd, David Queripel, representing the applicant on behalf of agents Montgomery Forgan & Associates, said at the meeting: “The applicant envisages a five-star holiday site occupied by high-quality lodge style caravans.”
Conditions have been attached, including:
Documents outlining tree protection measures, foul water outfall and a traffic management plan be submitted before construction work begins; passing places are to be installed on a nearby road; no more than 41 caravans are to be built; the homes will be for holiday use only, not permanent habitation; no caravan will be occupied for more than 12 weeks in any 26 week period.
Pictured: The Site at the old Belwood Tree Nursery at Brigton of Ruthven
