Draft Planning Committee Minutes13 March 2026

This document contains the draft minutes from the Planning Committee meeting held on 13 March 2026, where several key planning applications and strategic matters were discussed. The Committee approved an application for a community-led flood defence bund near Dalwhinnie, noting discussions about its formal recognition and agreeing to explore how the Park Authority can support similar local initiatives. They also approved the creation of 10 wildlife ponds at Birkhall, Ballater, acknowledging their benefits for fire-fighting and flood control, and agreed to seek clarification from the Scottish Government on the planning rules for such ponds. Additionally, an application for two new houses in Aviemore was approved, and changes to house types and parking in Newtonmore were given the go-ahead. The Committee objected to the Dorenell Extension Wind Farm proposal due to its significant negative impact on the Cairngorms National Park, specifically adding concerns about light pollution affecting dark skies. Finally, they noted proposals for new housing in Kingussie and approved a consultation response on electricity generation thresholds, alongside receiving an update on the upcoming Local Development Plan, which will soon invite public input for future development sites.