Item7Appendix2HabitatsRegulationsAppraisal20220023DETHillTracksCairngorm

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Appraisal for planning application 2022/0023/DET, regarding the formation of access hill tracks near Cairngorm Mountain. The appraisal considers the potential impact on the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Cairngorms SAC, and the Cairngorms Special Protection Area (SPA). It concludes that the proposed development could have a significant effect on the River Spey SAC due to the risk of sediment release during construction, which could pollute the Allt a choire chais watercourse. However, it also states that with a detailed Construction Method Statement (CMS) agreed upon with the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) prior to construction, the risk of pollution could be minimised, and there would not be an adverse effect on the River Spey SAC's integrity. The appraisal finds no likely significant effects on the Cairngorms SAC or the Cairngorms SPA.