A DOCUMENT that sets out the future development and land use of the Cairngorms National Park goes out for public consultation from July 9th.

The Cairngorms National Park Deposit Local Plan sets out proposed policies, guidance and management for development and land use in the Park for a five year period. Once it has been formally adopted it will replace the local plans currently in existence for the four local authority areas covering the Park: Aberdeenshire; Angus; Highland and Moray.

It was drawn up by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) following consultation with the public and private partners.

The public is being invited to respond to it over the next three months. Drop-in sessions will be held around the Park during this time to allow people to discuss any concerns they have about the document before submitting their formal comments or objections in writing.

Karen Major, the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Local Plan Officer, said: “The Cairngorms National Park Local Plan will be very important for the Park and therefore it is vital that the public respond to the deposit document. Only through responding will we be able to take their comments into account and ensure we get a Local Plan that delivers what is needed in Park.

“I would also encourage people to attend the drop-in sessions as it will allow them to have any concerns they have about the document addressed.”

Details about the drop-in sessions will be announced in the press nearer the time. The public can also make appointments at either the Grantown-on-Spey or Ballater offices.

The closing date for comments and objections, which must be made in writing, is September 28th. Following this the Deposit Local Plan will undergo any necessary modifications.

It will have several stages to go through before it is adopted, which is not expected to be for at least another year.

Copies of the Deposit Local Plan and representation forms are available online or from the CNPA offices in Ballater or Grantown-on-Spey. The document is also available for inspection at local authority offices and libraries throughout the Park.