Item 5 Appendix 2 HRA 20230229DET and 0221LBC Invercauld Arms Hotel

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal for planning applications 2023/0229/DET and 2023/0221/LBC regarding the refurbishment of a hotel and existing buildings, including a new leisure facility and replacement of a footbridge over the Clunie Water, which is part of the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The appraisal, conducted by Karen Aldridge, Planning Ecological Advice Officer, on 7 July 2023, assesses the potential impact of the project on the River Dee SAC, specifically concerning Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels, and otters. While the project could potentially cause short-term pollution affecting salmon and mussels, it concludes that with mitigation measures, such as a pollution prevention plan, the conservation objectives for the River Dee SAC can be met and there will be no adverse effect on the site's integrity.