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This document contains the approved minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held on 10 November 2023 in a hybrid format in Grantown on Spey. The meeting covered several agenda items including welcome and apologies, declarations of interest, minutes from the previous meeting, and detailed planning permissions for various projects. These projects included residential development and infrastructure in Aviemore, a distillery near Spey Dam, and a cycle route in Braemar, as well as a woodland management track near Crathie Lodge. The Planning Service Performance Update was also discussed, and the meeting concluded with thanks to the planning team and the Deputy Convener.
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This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 10 November 2023 at 9.30am. The meeting will cover a range of planning permissions, including residential development in Aviemore, a distillery in Laggan, changes to a previous permission in Kincraig, a new footpath in Braemar, and an ATV track in Laggan. The agenda also includes a planning service performance update, approval of confidential minutes, authorisation of planning enforcement action, and a planning enforcement cases update. The next meeting is scheduled for 8 December 2023.
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This document contains the draft minutes of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held on 22 September 2023. Attendees included committee members and planning staff, both in person and virtually. The meeting covered declarations of interest, approval of minutes from the previous meeting, and detailed planning permissions. Key decisions included approving a hotel refurbishment with conditions, and a change of use for a campsite, also with conditions, addressing concerns about electric vehicle charging and water supply impact. The convener announced it was her last planning committee meeting and the next meeting is scheduled for 10 November 2023.
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This document contains a planning application to the Cairngorms National Park Authority for a residential development, staff accommodation, and infrastructure at The Aviemore Centre on Grampian Road, Aviemore, submitted by Macdonald Resorts Ltd on 23 January 2023. The application seeks permission in principle for a development of around 180 residential units, including affordable housing and staff accommodation, on a 5.39 hectare site that's part of the MacDonald Highland Resort. The Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee are being asked to approve the application, subject to conditions and a legal agreement, that takes account of factors like flood risk, protected species, tree preservation, transport, infrastructure and contamination. Objections have been raised by Aviemore and Vicinity Community Council and other local residents on grounds such as flooding and the impact on local infrastructure, as well as some concerns relating to the number of affordable houses being proposed.
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This document contains planning application plans for a residential development at land southeast of the Scandinavian Village in Aviemore Highland Resort. The plans, dated 15 December 2022, include a location plan (drawing number 10143/PL01) and a site layout (drawing number 10143/PL 02) showing the proposed housing types, road access, and open spaces. The development includes both private dwellings and staff and affordable flats, totaling 180 units.
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This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for a proposed residential development, staff accommodation, and infrastructure project in Aviemore. It assesses the potential impact of the development on the Kinveachy Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) and the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The appraisal concludes that the development is unlikely to have a significant effect on the Scottish crossbill, but there's a potential disturbance to the capercaillie due to increased human activity from new residents and potential negative impact on the freshwater pearl mussel, sea lamprey and Atlantic salmon in the River Spey, but the conservation objectives can be met, which will be achieved if a pollution prevention plan is implemented, with no mitigation required.
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This document contains comments from Aviemore Community Council (AVCC) regarding planning application 2023/0030/PPP for residential development, staff accommodation, and infrastructure at the Aviemore Centre. The AVCC objects to the proposal, stating that while they appreciate new housing, they are concerned that staff accommodation is being included in the quota of affordable units. They believe this will not directly address local housing pressures and would prefer a higher proportion of affordable homes, up to 60%, for the development.
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This document contains objections to planning applications 22/06101/PIP and 2023/0030/PPP related to proposed developments at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and the Aviemore Centre in Aviemore. The main concerns raised include potential flood risk, visual impact on the Scandinavian Village, protection of trees and wildlife, increased traffic and security risks, the loss of open space and views, and the appropriateness of additional tourist accommodation in an already crowded area. Objectors argue that the developments could negatively impact local residents, businesses, and the environment, and that the focus should be on the needs of the local community rather than further tourism development.
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This document contains a summary of a planning application for a new distillery at U220 250M South East Of Spey Dam Laggan - Garvamore - Melgarve Laggan Highland within the Cairngorms National Park, submitted by Speyside Distillers Company Ltd, with a recommendation to approve the application subject to conditions. The application includes the erection of a distillery, three warehouses, access, parking, offices, and boreholes, and the document details the site description, proposal, history, relevant planning policies, consultations, representations, and an appraisal of the key considerations such as landscape impact, cultural heritage, environmental issues, access, and sustainability. Key conditions for approval include a Construction Environment Management Plan, pre-construction surveys, a Habitat Management Plan, a detailed landscape scheme, and a Decarbonisation Strategy, among others, aiming to mitigate potential impacts and enhance the area's natural and cultural heritage.
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This document contains plans for agenda item 6, appendix 1, with the reference number 2023/0267/DET. It includes site location plans, a landscape general arrangement plan detailing softworks and hardworks, and various elevations for the marketing suite, distillery, office, and warehouse number 1. It also includes plans for access road upgrades.
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This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal, dated 10 November 2023, for agenda item 6, appendix 2. The appraisal, reference number 2023/0267/DET, concerns the erection of a distillery, three warehouses, access, parking, offices, and boreholes. The appraisal, completed on 12 September by Karen Aldridge, Planning Ecological Advice Officer, and checked by NatureScot on 19 October 2023, assesses the potential impact of the proposed development on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The appraisal finds that the development is likely to have a significant effect on the freshwater pearl mussel, sea lamprey, and Atlantic salmon in the River Spey SAC due to potential pollution during construction. However, with the implementation of a pollution prevention plan, the appraisal concludes that the development will not have an adverse effect on the site's integrity.
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This document contains community council comments on planning application 2023/0267/DET for the erection of a distillery, warehouses, access, parking, offices, and boreholes south east of Spey Dam in Laggan. The Laggan Community Council is neutral on the matter, except for concerns raised by community members, specifically Laggan Community housing and residents at the Strathmashie houses. These concerns involve the safety of the access road onto the A86, including improving safety at the school bus stop, limiting lorry speeds, strengthening and tarmacking the track to protect water supplies and reduce dust, and ensuring continued access for all track users. Further concerns address potential dust disturbance, noting that Strathmashie cottages were not included as a sensitivity receptor, and the industrial nature of the buildings near archaeological sites.
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This document contains representations and objections regarding planning applications 2023/0267/DET and 23/02656/FUL. The objections mainly concern the proposed distillery SE of Spey Dam and the erection of a distillery with warehouses, access, parking, offices, and boreholes. Concerns raised include the inappropriateness of the location for industrial development in a National Park, increased traffic endangering locals and visitors, potential water depletion, negative impacts on the local community and environment, safety concerns with school bus stops and unlit roads, dust pollution, discrepancies regarding visitor centres, limited job opportunities for locals, and historical impact on General Wade's road and St Kenneth's church.
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This document contains an email exchange regarding agenda item 6, appendix 4b, dated 10 November 2023, with the reference 2023/0267/DET. The email from Emma Greenlees, the secretary for Laggan Community Housing Ltd, expresses concerns about a proposed development by Speyside Distillers Company Ltd at Laggan. The concerns include increased lorry traffic near the Laggan Community Housing properties, the potential gating of a road used by workers and cyclists, and difficulty accessing the development plans online.
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This document contains a proposal to extend the planning permission for a site near Kincraig, within the Cairngorms National Park, for another three years. The original permission was granted in 2020 for a temporary compound to support the dualling of the A9. Now, Dunachton Estate is seeking to extend the permission to allow time to investigate alternative uses for the site. The Cairngorms National Park Authority planning committee is recommended to approve the extension, subject to conditions, including the reinstatement of the site to its previous condition as grassland by 10 November 2026, if no new application is received and ensuring proper surface water drainage.
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This document contains plans for agenda item 7, appendix 1, reference number 2023/0285/DET, for the Kincraig Compound, belonging to the Dunachton Estate. The plans include a location plan and site plan showing site boundaries, applicant ownership, existing vegetation, tarmac, and hardstanding, and areas of embankment. Revisions were made on 18 February 2020 to amend the boundary.
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This document contains an agenda item from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority), specifically Appendix 2 dated 10 November 2023, regarding representations about planning application 2023/0285/DET. It includes an email raising concerns about a planning application by Dunachton Estates to change the use of an A9 compound to light industrial units. The email suggests a survey of Kincraig residents showed a negative response to the change of use, but the results were not disclosed. It also mentions concerns that the site was not returned to agricultural use as originally planned, with sewage pipes left open and electrical connections abandoned.
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This document contains a proposal for the construction of a new link footpath/cycle route at Deeside Way Footpath A93 Ballater to Braemar Road Braemar. The application, submitted by Mr Chris Rogerson, was called in on 4 September 2023 and is recommended for approval subject to conditions. The site is located within the Charters Chest woodland, about one mile east of Braemar and the path is intended to link Braemar with the Deeside Way, subject to conditions relating to environment and biodiversity.
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This document contains plans for agenda item 8, appendix 1, with reference number 2023/0357/DET. The plans relate to the Deeside Way Extension, specifically the Keiloch Car Park to Queens Drive Braemar section. The appendix includes a map showing the proposed route and an aerial view of the location. The application boundary is 2,890m².
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This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for a proposed new footpath and cycleway that is part of a long-term plan to connect Braemar to the Deeside Way in the Cairngorms National Park. The appraisal considers the potential impact of the project on three European sites: River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Ballochbuie SAC, and Ballochbuie Special Protection Area (SPA). The appraisal identifies potentially significant effects on Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels, and otters in the River Dee SAC; Caledonian forest, blanket bog, wet heathland and plant species in crevices within the Ballochbuie SAC; and capercaillie and Scottish crossbill in the Ballochbuie SPA. The document recommends a number of mitigation measures, including a site-specific pollution prevention plan, an otter survey, an arboricultural method statement and signage, to avoid adverse effects on site integrity. The appraisal concludes that if these measures are put in place, the project can proceed without harming the protected habitats and species.
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This document contains a planning application to the Cairngorms National Park Authority for the part retrospective construction of a 634m long all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track for woodland management at Crathie Lodge in Laggan, Newtonmore. The application, submitted by Mr Kevin Fletcher, was called in on 18 September 2023 and the recommendation is to approve it subject to conditions. The proposed track is about 4km northwest of Laggan Village, located in a woodland area, and the main considerations are the impact on the environment, landscape, access, and overall design. A Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) suggests that a site-specific Pollution Prevention Plan would prevent adverse effects on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), while a pre-construction otter survey and other species protection plans should also be carried out. Approval is also subject to the submission of a Construction Method Statement (CMS), and that any damage to the Glen Markie public right of way must be repaired.
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This document contains plans for a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track at Coul, which is part of a larger woodland creation project. The track will be approximately 640m long and 2m wide, and it will mostly follow existing routes through the woodland. No trees will need to be removed. Where the track crosses water, the construction will follow guidelines. The document also includes details on pipe installation and a typical road cross-section.
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This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal, dated 10 November 2023, for agenda item 9, appendix 2, reference number 2023/0363/DET. The appraisal concerns the construction of a 634m long all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track for woodland management, located near the Monadhliath Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the River Spey SAC. The appraisal, completed by Karen Aldridge, Planning Ecological Advice Officer on 16 October 2023, considers the potential impact of the construction on protected species and habitats within the River Spey SAC, including Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, freshwater pearl mussels, and otters. While the construction is not expected to directly impact the Monadhliath SAC, there is a potential for indirect impacts on the River Spey SAC due to construction activities. The appraisal concludes that with the implementation of a pollution prevention plan and a pre-construction otter survey, the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the River Spey SAC.
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This document contains information for the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (Park Authority) Planning Committee about the Scottish Government's feedback on the Park Authority's Planning Performance Framework (PPF) report for 2022/2023. Each year, the Park Authority and other planning authorities in Scotland create PPF reports to show how well they're doing against the Scottish Government's standards. The Scottish Government then gives feedback using a red-amber-green rating system. The Park Authority received the Scottish Government’s feedback in late October 2023, which was positive and showed green markers throughout the assessment, similar to previous years. The Park Authority's planning team will continue to maintain their performance and look for ways to improve. The next PPF report will be for 2023/24 and will be submitted to the Scottish Government in the summer of 2024.
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This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Performance Framework (PPF) Report for April 2022 to March 2023, presented as agenda item 10 on 10 November 2023. The report assesses the Park Authority's performance against agreed markers, using a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating system to highlight areas for improvement. Key areas covered include decision-making timescales, processing agreements, collaboration with applicants, legal agreements, and continuous improvement, alongside statistics on developer contributions and stalled sites, with overall good rankings.
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