A north-east councillor launched a tirade against colleagues yesterday as the row over a camp site reached its conclusion.
Banff and Buchan area committee met yesterday to determine whether landowner Marianne Shand could build a holiday camp at Forglen.
But despite receiving praise for the initiative by councillors, who described her plan to install seven yurts and three wigwams at Silverstripe as a “good idea”, they blocked the scheme over road safety fears.
The development, which had parking for 26 vehicles, was slated to use a narrow private road for access.
Fraserburgh councillor Michael Watt asked for his dissent at the decision to be minuted.
Accusing members of providing “lip service”, he added: “I have been in business for 40 years, and it seems to be that whenever someone makes a real effort to start a business we have to kick them in the groin.
“That’s exactly how I see it.”
Troup colleague Ross Cassie also lodged his dissent.
The pair had moved that the camp be approved, but were defeated three votes to five.
Banff’s Michael Roy was seconded by Fraserburgh’s Ian Tait in having the plans thrown out.
Mr Roy said: “This will have a detrimental impact on the houses and residents already there.”
Chairman John Cox added: “The general view was there was some concern about access to the site – a good idea, but maybe in the wrong place.”
Ten objectors had lodged concerns about the impact that the camp would have on roads and the River Deveron, but Aberdeenshire Council’s planning officers earmarked the project for approval.
Local man Lex Allison, who lives near the site, said that the road the development would rely on for visitors was not “fit for purpose”.