Planning Committee - June 2020

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 26 June 2020, held virtually. The meeting will cover welcoming attendees, apologies, and reviewing the minutes from the previous meeting on 12 June 2020. Members will declare any relevant interests. The committee will discuss and make recommendations on two detailed planning permission applications: one for bunding and access road formation near Hillview, Kincraig, and another for retaining ten wigwam accommodation units at Badaguish Outdoor Centre. Finally, the committee will discuss non-statutory guidance on economic growth, open space, sport and recreation and resources, before discussing any other business and setting a date for the next meeting.

This document contains the draft minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held via video conference on 12 June 2020. The meeting included discussions and decisions on several planning applications, including retrospective planning permission for upgrading a track at Clova Estate (approved subject to conditions), installation of car park barriers at Cairngorm Mountain (approved with an additional condition for barrier removal if unused), and the installation of tube slides at Coire Cas Car Park (approved subject to conditions). The committee also addressed matters arising from previous meetings, declarations of interest, and updates on other planning-related issues, such as an application for flats in Aviemore and delays in the Local Development Plan (LDP) examination. The next meeting was scheduled for 26 June 2020.

This document contains a planning application submitted to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) by Dunachton Estate. The application seeks retrospective approval for the formation of bunding, provision of services, and laying out of an access road, hardstanding, and tarmac area with associated landscaping at Land 165m southwest of Hillview Kincraig. The Park Authority recommends approval of the application subject to conditions, including a temporary planning permission ceasing on 26 June 2023, implementation of a landscape mitigation plan, and restrictions on noise-producing operations. The application is deemed to comply with relevant policies in the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2015, considering it a temporary use of land allowing for future productive proposals.

This document contains plans for agenda item 5, appendix I, application number 2020/0080/DET, for the Kincraig Compound on behalf of Dunachton Estate. The location plan, drawing number 453288/PL01, shows the site boundary and applicant ownership of the area surrounding the site, with an amendment made to the boundary on 18 February 2020. A site plan, numbered 453288/PL02, illustrates landscape mounds, existing vegetation, tarmac, and hardstanding within the site, with the same boundary amendment.

This document contains a general comment representation on agenda item 5, appendix 2, application 2020/0080/DET for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 26 June 2020. The comment expresses disappointment that the landowner does not intend to reinstate the site and notes that while the site is allocated for economic development in the 2020 Development Plan, it is unlikely to be developed in the short term due to the current economic climate. This negatively impacts the landscape and the objectives of the Park Authority to conserve the natural heritage of the area. The comment also highlights a contradiction between the landowner's support for economic development land and the agent's statement about the adverse impact of returning the land to grazing. Finally, the comment mentions the lack of landscaping in the submitted plans, despite its inclusion in the development description, and suggests seeking clarification from the agent. The comment was submitted by Joan Knox of Kincraig.

This document contains a planning application for the retention of ten wigwam accommodation units at the Speyside Trust Badaguish Outdoor Centre in Glenmore, Aviemore. The application, submitted by Speyside Trust, was called in on 30 March 2020 and the recommendation is to approve it subject to conditions. The site is located in a woodland setting within the Cairngorms National Scenic Area and has a history of planning applications, including previous permissions for wigwams and other facilities. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Planning Committee is asked to grant temporary planning permission, with conditions including a requirement to relocate or remove the wigwams within three years, limits on the total number of wigwams on the site, adherence to a Visitor Management Plan, and restrictions on the use of the wigwams for short-term tourist accommodation only.

This document contains plans related to agenda item 6, appendix 1, application number 2020/0081/DET, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority planning committee on 26 June 2020. The plans include a location plan and photos for 10 temporary wigwams at Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore, for the Speyside Trust. They were created by Bracewell Stirling Consulting.

This document contains a supporting statement for a proposal to extend temporary planning permission for 10 wigwams at Badaguish for another three years. The extension is needed due to unforeseen delays from complex planning and conservation rules, which have slowed down the final stage of a three-part development plan. The wigwams are currently located near the main center facilities and offer camping and lodge options for visitors. The extension would allow tree planting and landscaping at the new campsite to become more established before the wigwams are moved, maintaining visitor experience and ensuring a smooth transition to the final phase of the project.

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Assessment regarding planning application 2017/0008/DET at the Badaguish Outdoor Centre in the Cairngorms National Park. The application seeks to retain 10 holiday wigwams for a further three years. An assessment was conducted to determine if the proposal would have any adverse effects on nearby Natura sites, specifically concerning the conservation of species such as capercaillie. The assessment considered potential impacts on the Cairngorms Special Protection Area (SPA) and other SPAs. It concluded that the measures outlined in the Visitor Management Plan would avoid significant disturbance to capercaillie and that the proposal would not adversely affect the integrity of any of the Natura sites.

This document contains an objection from the Badenoch & Strathspey Conservation Group (BSCG) to a planning application, reference number 2020/0081/DET, submitted to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority). The application concerns the retention of ten wigwam accommodation units at the Speyside Trust's Badaguish Outdoor Centre. The BSCG objects to the application due to the excessive scale of accommodation, the applicant's failure to comply with the Visitor Management Plan, and concerns over capercaillie conservation. The BSCG requests an opportunity to address the planning committee.

This document contains a proposal for the Cairngorms National Park Authority to approve a six-week public consultation on draft non-statutory guidance documents. These documents support the Local Development Plan (LDP) and cover topics such as economic growth, open space, sport and recreation, and resources. The goal is to gather feedback that will help finalize the guidance, which will then be used to inform future planning applications, with final approval expected in autumn 2020.

This document contains draft non-statutory guidance supporting the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2020. It focuses on Policy 2, which supports economic growth within the Cairngorms National Park. The guidance is intended to aid in the preparation and assessment of planning applications that have the potential to impact the local economy. It highlights the importance of sustainable economic development, compatible business activities, protection of existing economic activities, and encourages development proposals that contribute to identified economic priorities. The document also details the considerations for tourism and leisure developments and offers useful sources of advice and information for applicants.

This document contains non-statutory guidance for the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2020, specifically focusing on Policy 8, which addresses open space, sport and recreation. It provides advice on how to use the guidance during planning applications to protect and enhance these assets. The document also outlines the policy's support for new developments and the redevelopment of existing facilities, emphasizing community and visitor needs, sustainable design and the importance of maintaining access and recreation opportunities while also considering environmental impacts.

This document contains draft non-statutory guidance related to resources and energy for the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Committee. It supports the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2020, focusing on Policy 10, which covers sustainable conservation, extraction, and resource use. The guidance addresses water resources (including flooding and drainage), waste management and minimisation, landfill, minerals, carbon-rich soils, and contaminated land, outlining considerations and requirements for planning applications to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainable practices within the National Park. It also provides links to other resources that will be used in the future in the National Park.