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GM VIGIL GROUP GAIN PLANNING PERMISSION FOR CAMP

The Highland Councils Ross and Cromarty Area Planning Committee has
unanimously approved a planning application from protesters to maintain
an encampment near the scene of two recent farmscale trials of genetically
modified crops in Ross-shire.

The Munlochy Vigil was granted permission to maintain two caravans, a
toilet and a Mongolian-style Yurt (information centre) at a council-owned
lay-by at Roskill Farm, Munlochy, until the end of August, next year.

A condition of approval is that the development is cleared within one
week of the expiry of the planning consent.

At the start of the debate, four members of the committee declared an
interest and did not vote. David Alston, Peter Cairns and Margaret
Paterson said their views on the issue were so well known that they might not be
perceived as being impartial. Lou Wilkerson declared an interest through
being related to one of the objectors.

The committee heard that 120 letters had been received in support of the
encampment being maintained. There had also been 17 letters of
objections.

In recommending approval of the application, Area Planning and Building
Control Manager, Jim Farquhar, said he had taken into account the views
of the local community. In his view, the encampment did not pose a road
safety problem nor did it have a material impact on the environment.

The Highland Council