Item11Appendix2HRA20230243DETBikeTracks

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Appraisal, dated 11 August 2023, for agenda item 11, appendix 2, regarding planning application 2023/0243/DET. It assesses the potential impact of forming a mountain bike track and related infrastructure on Cairngorm Mountain (planning application 2022/0046/DET) on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Cairngorms SAC, and Cairngorms Special Protection Area (SPA). The appraisal concludes that the development could have a likely significant effect on habitats in the River Spey SAC due to potential sediment release, but this can be mitigated by implementing the Construction Method Statement (CMS). It also finds likely significant effects on habitats within the Cairngorms SAC due to a potential off-path route, but this can be addressed through a condition requiring the implementation of a monitoring strategy. The SPA is not considered to have any likely significant effects. The document includes a monitoring strategy for Path Number 4701, which is aimed at minimising damage to the Cairngorms SAC.