Item5 NMU committee report 20250109DET

This document contains a committee report recommending approval for Transport Scotland's plan to create a 9-kilometre-long, 3-metre-wide path for walkers, cyclists, and other non-motorised users between Aviemore and Carrbridge in the Cairngorms National Park. The path aims to improve active travel links, enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable transport, offering clear public benefits. While the project involves some unavoidable loss of woodland, including ancient trees, and will pass near sensitive environmental areas and flood zones, extensive mitigation measures are proposed. These include compensatory woodland and peatland planting, habitat enhancements for wildlife, and detailed plans for managing landscape impacts, traffic, noise, drainage, and potential archaeological finds. Various consultees, including environmental bodies and local councils, support the project subject to comprehensive conditions to ensure environmental protection, public safety, and adherence to planning policies throughout the development and beyond.