VACANT land opposite Dalreoch Quarry will be turned into a caravan park for a travelling family.

A retrospective planning application for the site just off Renton Road was agreed by West Dunbartonshire Council planning committee on Wednesday.

The Brown family made a heartfelt plea in advance of the meeting seeking approval for a principal caravan and two touring caravans at the location and to erect an amenity block, fencing, walls and gates to provide a safe place to stay.

A report, which described key aspects of the gypsy lifestyle and its importance to applicants the Brown family, stated: “The Brown family has lived and worked in Dumbarton all their lives.

“The extended family is now large and important to the Browns. Importance is placed on the extended family bonds and family descent, and this site allows the applicant to retain these important links.

“As with the vast majority of gypsy/travelling families, they are hard working and have their own businesses in which family members participate.

“The Brown family is no different, with each having a successful small enterprise.

“However, due to ill health, Mrs Brown cannot walk as much as before and has to rely on other family members to carry on the business.”

The report explains the family moved on to the ground after having issues at the council’s nearby Dennystown Forge travellers site.

It adds: “Having purchased the site, this provided an opportunity for the family to create a home.

“With nine grandchildren, aged between eight weeks and 12 years, to look after on a regular basis, the site now provides a safe and secure environment and space for the children to play.”

A stone wall with gates had already been developed at the entrance and a 1.8-metre-high timber fence installed around the perimeter of the site.

A chalet, which comprises of an open plan living and kitchen area with three bedrooms and two bathrooms is also positioned on the ground and is finished in a white wood effect cladding.

At the rear of the chalet sits a simple pitched rood, white roughcast utility block providing an ancillary kitchen, laundry room and a shower room.

Towards the back of the site two touring caravans and three storage containers are in place with these located on the southern rear corner of the site.

Concerns were raised that the applicant had already started the development before consulting the council.

SNP councillor Dianne Docherty said: “I would like some more information about this application. The main issue for me is that it is retrospective.

“I would like to know what we can do to prevent these types of applications.”

Cllr Docherty was informed that in this case the applicant submitted the application quickly after it was sought and worked closely with officers to provide supporting information.

It was also pointed out that in 2019 higher fees will be implemented on applicants that submit plans retrospectively. Cllr Docherty added: “I am glad to heat that. At the end of the day this land is still technically green space.”

The application was agreed unanimously.

A FAMILY of gypsy travellers have made a heartfelt plea to councillors to let them make a permanent home in Dumbarton.

The Brown family is hoping West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) will approve their bid to live at a vacant site adjacent to Dalreoch quarry in Renton Road.

They are seeking approval for a principal caravan and two touring caravans at the location and to erect an amenity block, fencing, walls and gates to provide a safe place to stay.

A report on behalf of the family by a Glenrothes-based planning consultancy will go before the planning committee on March 11.

The report describes key aspects of the gypsy lifestyle and its importance to the Brown family.

It states: “The Brown family have lived and worked in Dumbarton all their lives.

“The extended family is now large and important to the Browns. Importance is placed on the extended family bonds and family descent, and this site allows the applicant to retain these important links.

“As with the vast majority of gypsy/travelling families, they are hard working and have their own businesses in which family members participate.

“The Brown family is no different, with each having a successful small enterprise.

“However, due to ill health, Mrs Brown cannot walk as much as before and has to rely on other family members to carry on the business.”

The report explains the family moved on to the ground after having issues at the council’s nearby Dennystown Forge travellers site.

It adds: “Having purchased the site, this provided an opportunity for the family to create a home.

“With nine grand children, aged between eight weeks and 12 years, to look after on a regular basis, the site now provides a safe and secure environment and space for the children to play.”

The consultants add that Mr Brown has found somewhere that allows him and his extended family to visit and play and live in accordance with their culture and lifestyle.

Without a site to go to the family would be back on the road.

The retrospective planning application is recommended for approval at a meeting on March 11.