Item9Appendix3HRA20230189DETPriorApprovalLaggan

This document contains a habitats regulations appraisal, dated 11 August 2023, for a proposed forestry-related building project. It looks at the potential impact of constructing a 700m all-terrain vehicle access track on two special areas of conservation: the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Monadhliath SAC. The appraisal, conducted by a Planning Ecological Advice Officer and checked by NatureScot, concludes that the project is unlikely to significantly affect the Monadhliath SAC. However, it does identify potential short-term impacts on the River Spey SAC, particularly concerning Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels, sea lamprey and otters, due to possible pollution from construction. The report recommends implementing a pollution prevention plan and other mitigation measures to protect the River Spey SAC and ensure the project does not adversely affect the site's integrity and conservation objectives.