Item5 NMU committee report 20250109DET revised

This document contains a committee report recommending approval for Transport Scotland's proposal to create a 9-kilometer, 3-meter wide path for non-motorised users between Aviemore and Carrbridge. The path is designed to significantly improve access and connectivity, promoting safe and sustainable active travel like walking and cycling, and enhancing local wellbeing. While the project acknowledges some unavoidable loss of woodland, including ancient trees, comprehensive compensatory planting and various environmental protection measures are planned for protected species, habitats, and peatlands. Additionally, concerns about landscape impact, flood risk, and cultural heritage will be addressed through detailed mitigation strategies and specific conditions outlined in the approval. Overall, the report finds that the benefits of this new active travel route are substantial and outweigh the potential environmental impacts, given the proposed safeguards.