Aberdeen council to discuss controversial halting site plans for travellers

CONTROVERSIAL plans to establish short and long-term halting sites for gypsies and travellers in Aberdeen are now to be considered at a full meeting of the city council.

• Cllr Neil Cooney called for report on proposals to develop one temporary and one longer-term site to be referred to full council meeting on 6 March

• Cllr Cooney referred to the ‘sensitive issue’ and pointed out that Aberdeen Council recognises gypsy/travellers as a marginalised, vulnerable group who historically have experienced discrimination and disadvantage

A report on proposals to develop a temporary halting site at Granitehill Industrial Estate in Northfied and a longer term development on the site of the Scotstown Road recycling centre in the Bridge of Don, was due to be debated at today’s meeting of the authority’s Housing and Environment committee.

But Labour councillor Neil Cooney, the convener of the committee, called for the report to be referred to a full council meeting on 6 March.

Earlier this month angry members of the Bridge of Don Community Council had called or a final decision to be postponed because they had not been consulted on the proposals.

The community council stated in a letter to the council: “The community council were extremely surprised that the issue of a halting site within their area was going to a committee without any prior information being given to them or, in fact, any consultation undertaken with them.

“When this same site was discussed and consulted on four years ago it was turned down on a number of grounds, including close proximity to thAe settled community, lack of sufficient space, health and safety issues and/or significant legal issues.”

Councillor Cooney said: “This is a sensitive issue that requires to be handled so. Therefore, it is only fair and right that the views of all councillors and their constituents are heard. This particularly applies to residents in the Northfield and Bridge of Don areas who might not have had representation on the Housing and Environment committee.”

He added: “Aberdeen City Council recognises Gypsy/Travellers as a marginalised, vulnerable group who historically have experienced discrimination and disadvantage, and so we seek to balance the needs of the Gypsy/Travellers with those of the local settled community and businesses.

“The size and number of unauthorised encampments in Aberdeen has grown significantly in recent years and the council has a duty to respond to this. The development of halting sites will not only increase provision but should also assist in the challenges being faced with unauthorised encampments.”