Planning Committee - August 2024

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Committee meeting on 9 August 2024 at 11am. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format in the Spey/Dee meeting rooms at the Park Authority office in Grantown on Spey. The agenda includes welcome and apologies, declarations of interest, approval of minutes, and several applications for detailed planning permission. These applications cover a range of projects including a borrow pit, repair of a hill track, construction of housing units, a sediment trap for flood alleviation, widening of an access track, erection of houses and installation of adventure play equipment. The recommendations for all planning applications are to approve subject to conditions. The date of the next meeting is set for 27 September 2024.

This document contains the draft minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held on 14 June 2024. The meeting covered welcomes and apologies, declarations of interest, approval of the previous meeting's minutes, and a discussion on an application for detailed planning permission, which was ultimately not considered due to a change in context. The committee also discussed and approved an application for the Dell 2 Windfarm, addressing concerns about light impacts. Finally, the director of planning and place provided updates on an appeal against an enforcement notice and the appointment of new senior planners, before moving to a confidential session. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 August 2024.

This document contains a committee report for the Cairngorms National Park Authority planning committee meeting on 9 August 2024 regarding a retrospective planning application by Balavil Estate. The application seeks approval for the formation of a borrow pit, which is a site where material has been excavated. The recommendation is to approve the application subject to conditions including that the planning permission will only be granted temporarily and there will be a comprehensive restoration scheme. The Ecology Officer highlighted the loss of ancient woodland is of significant concern but, subject to suitable restoration, a positive outcome can be achieved.

This document contains information related to Planning Committee Agenda Item 5, specifically Appendix 1 with the reference number 2022/0290/DET, and it relates to Plans. There is a map excerpt showing a location with features such as a livestock pen, track and terrain with overlaid features on another excerpt, such as planting areas, in relation to Balavail Estate Borrow Pit Reinstatement.

This document contains a committee report for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Planning Committee, dated 9 August 2024. It concerns a planning application from Balavil Estate to repair and upgrade an existing hill track. The application was called in on 11 December 2023, and the recommendation is to approve it, subject to certain conditions. The report details the site, proposal, and history, noting that the estate is undertaking a woodland restoration project and the track upgrade will facilitate this. The Park Authority's Landscape Adviser and Ecology Officer raised no objections. The report concludes that the proposal aligns with the National Planning Framework 4 and the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2021, and recommends approval of the retrospective repair and upgrade of the estate track. It also states that the Planning Authority should be notified of any development.

This document contains plans for agenda item 6, appendix 1, with the reference number 2023/0445/DET, relating to the Balavil Estate. The plans detail a project for the repair and upgrade of an existing hill track, including a site location plan, a site plan showing track sections, a newly installed deer fence line, and the ex track for repair. A typical construction layout shows the repairing of the tracks with shallow borrow pits.

This document contains a committee report for a planning application submitted by Davall Developments Ltd, proposing the erection of six semi-detached houses at Land 65M South of 22 Kerrow Drive, Kingussie. The application site is 0.295 hectares of improved grazing land on the north-west side of Kingussie, forming part of a larger, consented residential development. Vehicular access is planned from Kerrow Drive, and existing informal paths will be formalised. The Highland Council (Transport Planning Team) and the Highland Council (Flood Risk Management Team) have no objections, subject to certain recommendations and conditions, and Scottish Water has no objection to the proposal. One letter of objection was received, raising concerns about drainage, flooding, design, and ecology. The report concludes that the proposed development is of a design, scale, and location that would help meet a local need and can be developed without significant landscape or environmental effects, subject to conditions, therefore the committee recommends approval for the erection of the houses.

This document contains planning information for the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Committee meeting on 9 August 2024. It includes plans for a residential development at Kerrow Drive in Kingussie. The development, application number 2024/0005/DET, consists of six new housing units and includes a location plan, site plan, and 3D views of the semi-detached houses. The site area is approximately 0.295 hectares.

This document contains community council comments regarding planning application 2024/0005/DET for agenda item 7, appendix 2, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority planning committee on 9 August 2024. An email sent on 13 February 2024, from the KVCC Secretary to Emma Greenlees, indicates that after consideration, KVCC supports this application.

This document contains an objection, dated 30 January 2024, to a planning application (2024/0005/DET) for the erection of six houses on land south of 22 Kerrow Drive in Kingussie. The author, an owner of a property adjacent to the proposed development site, raises concerns about the density of the proposed housing, its potential negative impacts on drainage, flood risk, subsidence, environmental/ecological factors, and community wellbeing. They argue that the development doesn't adequately consider existing landscape features or natural drainage and overestimates the achievable number of properties for the site. They also reference Scottish Government's Designing Streets guidance and highlight potential conflicts. The author requests a site boundary amendment, a reduction in housing density, more ecological surveying, retention of existing features and improved drainage. Finally, they make suggestions regarding construction noise and developer liability for any damage caused by the development.

This document contains a committee report regarding a planning application for the construction of a sediment trap for flood alleviation at Allt Mhor / Gynack, located on Pitmain Estate, north of Kingussie. The application, submitted by Pitmain Estate, seeks retrospective consent for works already undertaken to create the trap, which aims to capture excess sediment and reduce flooding downstream. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Ecology Officer and the Highland Council Flood Risk Management Team have reviewed the proposal, with no objections raised, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has licensed the works. The report recommends approval of the application, subject to adherence to the Sediment Management Plan, to ensure the development is managed effectively and complies with relevant planning policies to mitigate any environmental impacts.

This document contains plans for the Gynack Diversion Channel Remediation Works, specifically a sediment trap. The plans include site maps, cross-sections, and long sections detailing existing and proposed levels, cut and fill analysis, and key features like the offtake structure and Allt Mhor Diversion channel. The document also includes safety, health, and environmental information related to the construction, maintenance, and decommissioning of the works. The document was created by CBEC eco engineering.

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for the construction of a sediment trap as part of flood alleviation works, under planning reference 2024/0036/DET, relating to the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The appraisal, completed on 13 May 2024 and checked by NatureScot on 17 July 2024, considers the potential impact of the project on species like Atlantic salmon and otters. While there could be some short-term negative effects on Atlantic salmon and otters due to construction, the report concludes that with the implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan, there would be no adverse impact on the integrity of the River Spey SAC or its conservation objectives.

This document contains a committee report for a planning application concerning work on an existing access track, formation of hardstanding and a borrow pit at Far Ralia Estate, located south-east of Newtonmore. The applicant, Standard Life Investments, seeks retrospective approval for the widening of the track, the creation of hardstanding, and the establishment of a borrow pit. The report recommends approval of the development subject to certain conditions, including the temporary nature of the borrow pits with a two-year cessation date and the submission of a detailed restoration scheme, it was found that the development aligns with the National Planning Framework 4 and Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2021.

This document contains plans for Agenda Item 9, Appendix 1, reference number 2024/0082/DET, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee on 9 August 2024. The plans detail an access track widening project at Far Ralia Estate, showing existing and reinstated sections, land ownership, borrow pits, and typical access track sections. The access track is planned to be 5km long and 2.8m wide.

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for planning application 2024/0082/DET, concerning the widening of an access track and the formation of hardstanding and a borrow pit near Newtonmore. The appraisal, completed on 8 July 2024 and checked by NatureScot, assesses the potential impact of the project on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and its qualifying interests, including Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, sea lamprey, and otter. The appraisal concludes that the project is likely to have a significant effect on Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, and freshwater pearl mussel due to potential pollution from construction activities affecting water quality, but it is unlikely to have led to a disturbance of any otter. It also details mitigation measures to prevent pollution and ensure the project does not undermine the conservation objectives for the River Spey SAC.

This document contains a committee report for the Cairngorms National Park Planning Committee, dated 9 August 2024. It concerns a planning application from Tulloch Homes Ltd to erect houses with amended house types and driveway locations on plots 20 and 21, situated between Perth Road and Station Road in Newtonmore, Highland. The recommendation is to approve the application subject to conditions. The report details the site description, proposal, and history of the development, along with relevant planning policies and guidance. It also includes information on consultations, representations, and an appraisal of the application, covering aspects such as landscape, layout, design, environmental impacts, servicing, sustainability, and climate change, as well as developer obligations. Finally, the report concludes that the development complies with National Planning Framework 4 and the Cairngorms Local Development Plan policies, and recommends approval subject to specific conditions.

This document contains plans for agenda item 10, appendix 1, under the reference number 2024/0149/DET for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Planning Committee on 9 August 2024. The plans relate to Perth Road in Newtonmore and are submitted by Tulloch Homes Ltd. Included are location plans, site layouts, and elevations for house type 3DV134 on plots 11, 20 and 75, and plots 8, 21 and 72.

This document contains a committee report regarding a proposed development at the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre. Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd has applied for permission to erect and install adventure play equipment, along with associated landscaping. The Cairngorms National Park Authority is reviewing the application, referenced as 2024/0155/DET, and the planning officer recommends approval subject to conditions. The development is planned in four phases and includes features like a ball track, jumping pillow, wood carvings, and a timber play structure. While some concerns were raised about the landscape impact, the planning officers find that the development is in line with planning policies and will enhance the visitor experience. The recommendation is to approve the application subject to meeting specified conditions regarding materials, design, and environmental management during construction.

This document contains plans for Agenda Item 11, Appendix 1, reference number 2024/0155/DET, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 9 August 2024. The plans, created by Architectural Design And Planning Technology (ADAPT), include a site layout area plan, animal play structure, ball track and water play features, interactive water features, a climbing frame letter play park and a feature heart viewpoint for Cairngorm Mountain Scotland.

This document contains an objection from the Badenoch & Strathspey Conservation Group regarding planning application 2024/0155/DET for the erection and installation of adventure play equipment and associated landscape and ancillary works on Cairngorm Mountain. The conservation group objects because the proposed structures would be intrusive, detract from the mountain scenery, and are inappropriate for the sensitive high-altitude location. They also raise concerns about the environmental impact of using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in a play item, and question the findings of the Planning Ecological Advice Officer's Ecology Report.

This document contains the minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held on 9 August 2024. The meeting covered various planning applications, including a retrospective application for a borrow pit which caused concern among committee members due to the damage to ancient woodland, and an application for adventure play equipment at Cairngorm Mountain which raised concerns about health and safety and visual impact. The committee approved several applications with amendments and conditions, including limiting the duration of operations and adding conditions for woodland regeneration and habitat protection. The Director of Planning and Place also provided updates on appeals and enforcement notices. The meeting concluded at 2.54pm, with the next meeting scheduled for 27 September 2024.