Planning Committee - September 2023

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 22 September 2023 at 10am in Grantown on Spey. The agenda includes welcome and apologies, declarations of interest, approval of minutes, and discussion of detailed planning permissions for a hotel refurbishment, a campsite, and approval of confidential minutes from a prior meeting. The agenda also includes a motion to take the next item in confidential session and confirms the date of the next meeting as 10 November 2023.

This document contains the draft minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held on 11 August 2023. The meeting covered several agenda items, including planning permissions for dwellings, alterations and extensions to a hotel, holiday apartments, and a mountain bike track. The committee discussed issues such as flood risk, affordable housing, and visitor management plans, and voted on various recommendations, including approving some applications subject to conditions and referring one to the Scottish Ministers. The meeting also included updates on the opening of the new Gairnshiel Bridge and the launch of an online Local Development Plan consultation. The next meeting is scheduled for 22 September 2023.

This document contains information on planning applications submitted to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) for the refurbishment and restoration of the Invercauld Arms Hotel and its surrounding buildings in Braemar. The proposal includes converting the hotel into serviced apartments with event space, building leisure facilities (like a pool and gym), changing the use of some buildings to offices and staff housing, and replacing a footbridge. Several reports and surveys were conducted, and consultees like NatureScot and the Scottish Water provided feedback. The Park Authority recommends approving the applications with conditions to ensure the development protects the environment, cultural heritage, and local amenity.

This document contains agenda item 5 and appendix 1A from a Cairngorms National Park Authority meeting on 22 September 2023. The appendix includes plans relating to application numbers 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC. These plans show the Invercauld Arms Masterplan, including the project boundary, site plan, and the demolition plan for the ground floor.

This document contains plans related to agenda item 5, appendix 1B for the Cairngorms National Park Authority. The plans, under reference numbers 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC, appear to be for the Invercauld Arms Masterplan, including proposed general arrangement plans for the ground, first, second and third floors, along with the replacement of existing UPVC windows with traditional timber sash and case windows to match originals.

This document contains plans submitted to the Cairngorms National Park Authority as appendix 1C, agenda item 5 on 22 September 2023. The plans, reference numbers 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC, detail proposed second and third floor plans for the Invercauld Arms Masterplan, including apartment layouts, dimensions, and notes on building materials and features.

This document contains plans associated with agenda item 5, appendix 1D, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) meeting on 22 September 2023. The plans reference applications 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC and depict proposed works to the Invercauld Arms Masterplan, specifically focusing on roof plans, elevations, and floor plans for the Omnibus House Office and Mews Loft. The drawings detail proposed replacements of windows, alterations to internal layouts, elevations of the building and materials to be used.

This document contains plans for agenda item 5, appendix 1E, regarding development applications 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC. The plans consist of architectural drawings and elevations for a leisure building, with details including ground floor plans, roof plans, and north, south, east, and west elevations. Additionally, there are plans for ancillary site buildings, including proposed ground floor, first floor, and roof plans, along with corresponding elevation views, detailing proposed changes, materials and dimensions.

This document contains agenda item 5, Appendix 1F, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority meeting on 22 September 2023. It includes plans for application numbers 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC. The plans show proposed dairy accommodations, maintenance offices, workshops, and a new clunie footbridge.

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for planning applications 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC regarding the refurbishment of a hotel and existing buildings, including a new leisure facility and replacement of a footbridge over the Clunie Water, which is part of the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The appraisal, conducted by Karen Aldridge, Planning Ecological Advice Officer, on 7 July 2023, assesses the potential impact of the project on the River Dee SAC, specifically concerning Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels, and otters. While the project could potentially cause short-term pollution affecting salmon and mussels, it concludes that with mitigation measures, such as a pollution prevention plan, the conservation objectives for the River Dee SAC can be met and there will be no adverse effect on the site's integrity.

This document contains agenda item 5, appendix 3, which relates to planning applications 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC. It includes community council comments, specifically from Braemar Community Council, regarding a notification of call-in from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority). The council views the Invercauld Arms development positively but wants to ensure the developer considers staff accommodation to avoid burdening the village.

This document contains representations for agenda item 5, appendix 4, related to applications 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC, and includes a letter from the Aberdeenshire South Access Panel to Ms. F. Tindall, dated 15 June 2023, regarding internal adjustments for converting apartments at the Invercauld Arms Hotel. The panel asks that consideration be given to disabled parking and accessible kitchen fitments, and it suggests a site visit to the hotel for a better understanding of the plans. The comments are in addition to building standards requirements and intend to assist with duties under The Equality Act 2010 and BS8300.

This document contains a planning application to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) for a change of use and alteration to form a new campsite with a shower facility, hard standing, and drainage at The Old Mart, Conglass Lane, Tomintoul, Moray. The application, submitted by Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust, was called in on 20 February 2023, and the recommendation is to approve it, subject to conditions. The proposed site is located on the eastern side of Tomintoul, north of the B939 road, and will include 29 caravan pitches with associated facilities. The Park Authority has received several representations, both for and against the application raising issues such as impacts on water and power supplies, traffic, wildlife, dark skies and noise. The Park Authority recommends approval of the application based on compliance with the relevant planning policies and conditions, which include a landscaping scheme, a lighting management plan, and a construction method statement.

This document contains representations regarding planning application 2023/0087/DET for Agenda item 6, Appendix 2A, dated 22 September 2023, for The Old Mart, Conglass Lane, Tomintoul. The representations, submitted by Emma Greenlees and the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Outdoor Bowling Club, raise concerns about the impact of the proposed development, particularly a new campsite, on local infrastructure, services, the bowling club's income, and the quality of life for village residents, specifically regarding increased traffic, security, water, sewage, lighting, and noise. The representations also highlight the lack of consultation with residents and the potential impact on the area's "Dark Skies" designation.

This document contains a letter from C & C Breen in support of planning application number 2023/0087/DET, which proposes a change of use and alteration to form a new campsite in Tomintoul. C & C Breen believes the campsite is important for the local economy, employment, and environment, as it would provide facilities for visitors who support local businesses and replace some of the lost tourist accommodation. The letter also states that the campsite would require a campervan waste disposal facility. Also included are comments from a member of the public who supports the project but has concerns regarding waste disposal, traffic impact on the village, and the safety of pedestrians. They also mention the lack of a site office, lighting information, and barbecue provisions.

This document contains objections to a planning application (22/01873/APP) for a proposed caravan site in Tomintoul, within the Cairngorms National Park. Concerns raised include a lack of community consultation, potential negative impacts on local infrastructure (water, sewage, roads, electrical systems), the environment (wildlife, dark skies), increased traffic, noise, litter, and potential financial implications for the local community. Residents question the need for additional accommodation, policing, and the overall suitability of the location, suggesting alternative sites with less environmental and community impact.