The Cairngorms National Park Authority  is urging everyone to get involved in helping shape the next Local Development Plan (LDP) for the Cairngorms National Park whether that is online or in person.

The LDP is the starting point in making any planning decisions – it sets out how places should change or stay the same and the best location for new homes, businesses, public services and so on.

The consultation on the Main Issues Report, which sets out the Park Authority’s ideas for how things should look in the future, is now well underway having been launched in November. Over the next few weeks, the CNPA is hosting a series of meetings and events that people can attend to view the proposals and make their views known.

• 18 January – Tomintoul, Richmond Hall. Drop in from 6pm, followed by round table discussion at 7pm.
• 22 January – Blair Atholl Village Hall. Drop in from 6pm, followed by round table discussion at 7pm.
• 24 January – Grantown-on-Spey, Grant Arms. Drop in from 6pm, followed by round table discussion at 7.30pm.
• 30 January – Aviemore, The Hub. Drop in from 6pm, followed by round table discussion at 7.30pm.
• 1 February – Ballater, Albert Hall. Drop in from 6pm, followed by round table discussion at 7.30pm.
• 6 February – Braemar, Victoria Hall. Drop in from 1pm, followed by round table discussion at 2.30pm.
• 8 February – Kingussie, Talla Nan Ros. Drop in from 1pm, followed by round table discussion at 2.30pm.
• 12 February – Newtonmore, Village Hall. Drop in from 6pm, followed by discussion at 7pm.

The Main Issues Report sets out several key questions for respondents to consider. Among those are:

• How and where should development happen in future?
• How can we capitalise on road and rail improvements?
• How many new homes do we need and where should they go?
• How do we protect the Park’s unique environment alongside development?
• How do we provide essential facilities alongside development?
• How do we protect and prepare for future events?

Each community in the Park also has its own section in the Main Issues Report, setting out areas that could be considered for development in the future or site specific uses.

For more information on these meetings or other ways to get involved with the consultation on the Main Issues Report, please visit the Cairngorms National Park Authority website.