Overview
The complainant (Mr C) considered that the Council had failed either to find a permanent campsite for gypsy/travellers in the Moray area or deal effectively with the environmental problems arising from an unauthorised campsite which is sited in proximity to his property.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are:
- (a) failure to provide an alternative (permanent) campsite for gypsy/travellers (not upheld); and
- (b) failure to deal effectively with the environmental problems arising from an unauthorised campsite (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) notify her when permanent facilities have been set up;
- (ii) consider taking appropriate enforcement action, where it is established that there is unacceptable behaviour on the unauthorised campsite contrary to their code of acceptable behaviour; and
- (iii) review their protocol to ensure that the rights of the settled community are given equal consideration to those of the gypsy/travellers.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.