A defiant landowner at the centre of a planning dispute has vowed he will not be moving anywhere despite a failed appeal to the Scottish Government.
Moray Council now has 28 days to enforce action against Hopeman’s West Beach Caravan Site following the appeal decision yesterday.
Scottish Government reporter Philip Barton dismissed the owner’s recent appeal against Moray council’s planning refusal and stated “the council’s reason for refusal is well-founded”.
Last year, Moray council officers concluded that planning permission has never been granted for the land following an investigation sparked by a complaint.
Site owners Barry and Ruth Scott have maintained the touring accommodation is within the area covered by their site licence and will not be moving their lone caravan, even if an enforcement notice is now served.
Mr Scott last night said that he had been advised to submit a new planning application for the site within the 28 day period, but “will not be doing so”, adding: “The caravan is on a caravan park and permission is not required. If an enforcement notice is served, we will appeal that too.”
Mr Scott added that he currently has permission for 151 caravans on the Hopeman coast – but only has 124 set up at the moment.
It is understood the caravan, which is sited on a footpath into the park from Harbour Street, has never been slept in overnight and is only used for day trips to the beach.