Planning Committee - December 2021

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 10 December 2021. The meeting includes welcome and apologies, declaration of interest, the minutes from the previous meeting and matters arising. There are four detailed planning permissions to be discussed, which include erection of a bothy and formation of access track, erection of bothy and associated service route, erection of a Discovery Hub, Learning Hub and Hilltop Hub and alterations to a visitor centre and the erection of 8 industrial units. The recommendations are to approve all permissions subject to conditions. Also on the agenda are any other business and the date of the next meeting and quorum requirement.

This document contains the draft minutes from a Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held via video conference on 12 November 2021. The meeting covered several planning applications, including the conversion of a building into flats in Kingussie, and applications relating to Coire Cas Car Park on Cairngorm Mountain. The committee discussed and approved these applications, subject to certain conditions, and also considered a consultation regarding the Cairn Duhie Wind Farm, agreeing to raise no objection. Finally, the committee noted updates on the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 4 and discussed the date of the next meeting.

This document contains a planning application for the erection of a bothy and the formation of an access track at Land 515M SE of Farmhouse, Killiehuntly, Kingussie. Bob Reid of Wildland Ltd. submitted the application on 28 September 2020, which the planning officer recommends for approval, subject to conditions. The proposed development site is approximately 500 metres southeast of Killiehuntly Farm and the site comprises a mixture of unimproved acid grassland and semi-mature coniferous woodland. Access to the bothy will be an accessible path that can accommodate a vehicle if required and the bothy will be constructed of Glulam timber and finished in black stained Siberian larch cladding boards. There were concerns raised in respect to impacts on ecology, however, there have been conditions added to ensure there are no adverse impacts. Overall, the application is considered to comply with the Local Development Plan policies and is recommended for approval.

This document contains plans for agenda item 5, appendix 1, which relate to application 2020/0220/DET for the Cairngorms National Park Authority. The plans include a location plan showing the site in relation to Killiehuntly and the surrounding area, and indicate the extent of land owned by the applicant and the area affected by the proposal, which is 12,405 square meters. Other plans include proposed site plans, front, side, and back elevations, and a proposed floor plan for a building with a footprint of 90 square meters and an internal floor area of 55 square meters, with rooms such as a shower room, dining area, sitting area, bedroom, and entrance, and food preparation area.

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for a proposed construction project near Lochan nan Reamh, south of Kingussie, in the Cairngorms National Park. The project involves building a small holiday cabin with a wastewater treatment system. Nina Caudrey, a Planning Officer, appraised the project on 30 September 2021. The appraisal assesses the potential impact on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the River Spey – Insh Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site, focusing on protected species like freshwater pearl mussels, sea lamprey, Atlantic salmon, and otters. The assessment concludes that with a pre-construction otter survey and the implementation of a Construction Method Statement, there should not be an adverse effect on the integrity of these sites.

This document contains community council comments on planning application 2020/0220/DET for the erection of a bothy and formation of an access track on land 515m southeast of Farmhouse Killiehuntly Kingussie. The Community Council neither objects to nor supports the application, but has concerns regarding access and the removal of trees.

This document contains an objection to a planning application (reference number 2020/0220/DET) for the building of a "bothy" and access track near Killiehuntly Farmhouse, submitted to the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee. The objection argues that the application is for a holiday chalet in wild land, close to Loch nan Reamh. It claims an existing estate road provides access for those wishing to observe birdlife, and that the new track is unnecessary and could limit public access. The objection also raises concerns about the impact of "exclusive" tourist developments on affordable housing in the Spey Valley.

This document contains a planning application for the erection of a bothy, which is a small mountain hut, and an associated service route near Killiehuntly, Kingussie, within the Cairngorms National Park. Bob Reid of Wildland Ltd. applied for permission to build the timber structure, which would have an internal floor area of 28 square metres, and associated pathways. The Cairngorms National Park Authority has recommended approval of the application, subject to certain conditions. The proposed development site is located near the River Tromie, and a Habitat Regulations Appraisal has been carried out to ensure there will be no adverse effects on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation.

This document contains plans for agenda item 6, appendix 1, relating to application 2020/0221/DET. The plans include location plans, a site plan, proposed front, side, and back elevations, a floor plan, and a log store for a "bothy" at Wildland. The plans also show access routes. The external skin of the bothy is specified as untreated Siberian larch.

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for a planning application (2020/0221/DET) in the Cairngorms National Park. The application concerns the erection of a bothy (a small hut or cottage), installation of a wastewater treatment system, and creation of an access track near the River Tromie. The appraisal considers the potential impact of the development on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the River Spey - Insh Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The appraisal concludes that with the implementation of a construction method statement and a pre-construction otter survey, the development is not likely to have an adverse effect on the site integrity and conservation objectives for the qualifying species and habitats.

This document contains comments from the Community Council regarding planning application 2020/0221/DET for the erection of a bothy on land 400m south west of Farmhouse Killiehuntly Kingussie. The Community Council neither objects to, nor supports, the planning application, but has concerns about the close proximity of the proposed development to the river Tromie and its access track. The case officer for this application is Robbie Calvert.

This document contains an objection to a planning application (reference number 2020/0221/DET) for the erection of a "bothy" (small, basic shelter) near Killiehuntly Farmhouse. The objection raises concerns about the exclusive nature of the holiday chalet, its location on the River Tromie bank which may affect access, the impact on wild land, and the pressure on affordable housing in the Spey Valley. The application was called in by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) on 28 September 2020.

This document contains a proposal for the erection of a Discovery Hub, Learning Hub, and Hilltop Hub at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, along with alterations to the visitor center. The application, submitted by Gemma Mudie of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) on 21 June 2021, seeks to improve visitor facilities, particularly for disabled visitors and families, by creating expanded and interactive spaces. The Cairngorms National Park Authority recommends approval of the development, subject to certain conditions and a developer contribution for sustainable travel improvements. These conditions cover junction improvements, bus stop infrastructure, landscape protection, tree protection, and protection of bat species, to minimize environmental impacts and ensure compliance with local planning policies.

This document contains planning application plans for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park, dated 10 December 2021. The plans include a location plan showing the Hilltop Hub, Discovery Hub and Learning Hub. Included are site plans and drawings of a Discovery Hub, Learning Hub, and Hilltop Hub, including floor plans, roof plans, elevations and sections and finally a parking layout plan.

This document contains a planning application for the erection of eight industrial units, associated infrastructure, and the formation of access at Lions Face Quarry Depot in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. The recommendation is to approve the application subject to conditions to ensure that the development is sustainable and does not adversely affect the environment. Several conditions such as an appropriate water supply and the undertaking of various surveys need to be in place before development can commence.

This document contains plans for Agenda Item 8, Appendix 1 for the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Committee on 10 December 2021. The plans, reference number 2021/0258/DET, detail proposed construction at Lion's Face Quarry in Braemar, on the Invercauld Estate, including location plans, site plans (both existing and proposed), site sections, elevations, and access junction visibility splays. The proposed development includes new access roads and several units for light industrial or storage use, including plans for potential future facilities like restrooms.

This document contains the Braemar Community Council's comments on planning application 2021/0258/DET regarding the proposed development at Lion's Face Quarry in Braemar. The Braemar Community Council supports Invercauld Estate's planning application, believing the development would benefit the area and provide needed commercial units for the village. They encourage the planning committee to approve the application.

This document contains public representations for planning application 2021/0258/DET. The application is for the erection of eight industrial units with associated infrastructure and formation of access at Lions Face Quarry Depot in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. A member of the public, Miss Morven Innes, supports the application, stating they are excited about the opportunity and believe the units would be a great asset to the small business community. They also mention having a small business in Braemar and needing premises to develop it.