Item5AACrathieHuts20200201DET

This document contains information regarding a planning application submitted by Invercauld Estate to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) for the erection of 16 huts and four compost toilets with associated access, car parking, and landscaping. The proposed development is located on land north and northeast of Tomidhu Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, within the Crathie Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Ancient Woodland Inventory. While there were initial concerns from consultees, including NatureScot and the Park Authority's Ecology Advisor, regarding the potential impact on the SSSI and ancient woodland, the applicant amended the proposal to address these concerns. The Park Authority's recommendation is to approve the application with conditions, including the implementation of a detailed landscaping scheme, a pre-construction walk-over survey for protected species, a construction method statement, and a Hutting Management Plan to mitigate potential impacts and ensure responsible management of the site.