Controversial plans to create a permanent halting site for travellers in south Aberdeenshire will go before councillors this week.
A group of families clubbed together to buy land near St Cyrus Nature Reserve in 2013 and immediately began turning it into a halting site, despite not having planning consent.
They are now seeking retrospective planning permission for the site, which has already been rejected by the Kincardine and Mearns area committee admit concerns about flooding and drainage.
Now the application will go the full council on Thursday for final consideration.
Planning consultant Alan Seath, who represents the travellers on the North Esk site, has submitted a supporting statement urging councillors to approve the plans – arguing the potential flood risk was not an acceptable ground for refusal.
The document states: “After a careful and professional assessment of this issue on behalf of the residents, it is considered that the flood risk is acceptable and within policy guidelines.
“There is simply no proper planning basis for refusing the application on the grounds of flood risk and the ground is safe and suitable for its current use as a caravan site.”
But as well as the flooding concerns, planners also believe the site should be rejected due to its impact on the surrounding amenities.