Item5Appendix2HRA20210105DETLaurelBank

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for a proposed development in Aviemore. The development includes building 23 self-catering apartments, shops, a hotel, and underground parking. The appraisal looks at the potential impact on the Kinveachy Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) and the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), focusing on species like capercaillie, Scottish crossbill, Atlantic salmon, and freshwater pearl mussels. It concludes that the development is unlikely to significantly disturb the capercaillie or Scottish crossbill populations. However, it could potentially harm the River Spey SAC due to sediment runoff during construction, affecting water quality. To prevent this, the appraisal recommends implementing a Construction Environmental Management Plan and Construction Method Statement to minimise pollution and disturbance, especially to otters. If these measures are followed, the development is not expected to have a negative impact on the environment.