Two applications for a permanent halting site along with a temporary halting site in St Cyrus were introduced by head of planning and development management, Robert Gray.

Mr Gray highlighted the flood risks associated with the sites, which during a one in 200 year flood is around half a metre at its deepest, and 300ml across the majority of the site.

Roads around the area were also subject to flooding which would affect the ability to evacuate people from the site.

Ian Walton, an engineer who undertook a site assessment, suggested the flood risk could be managed through an adequate flood plan.

The planning applications were refused by a vote of 42 to 20.