Item9Appendix2HRA20230363DETTrackLaggan

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal, dated 10 November 2023, for agenda item 9, appendix 2, reference number 2023/0363/DET. The appraisal concerns the construction of a 634m long all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track for woodland management, located near the Monadhliath Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the River Spey SAC. The appraisal, completed by Karen Aldridge, Planning Ecological Advice Officer on 16 October 2023, considers the potential impact of the construction on protected species and habitats within the River Spey SAC, including Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, freshwater pearl mussels, and otters. While the construction is not expected to directly impact the Monadhliath SAC, there is a potential for indirect impacts on the River Spey SAC due to construction activities. The appraisal concludes that with the implementation of a pollution prevention plan and a pre-construction otter survey, the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the River Spey SAC.