Planning Committee - item 5 appendix 2 - 23 January 2026

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Appraisal for a proposed extension to Invercauld Caravan Park, which involves creating 18 motorhome pitches and 6 static caravan pitches. The appraisal specifically looked at how this development might affect two important protected areas: the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Ballochbuie Special Protection Area (SPA). For the River Dee SAC, which is a crucial habitat for freshwater pearl mussels, Atlantic salmon, and otters, there were concerns about potential pollution during construction. However, by implementing measures such as pre-construction protected species surveys, carefully timing the work to avoid the Atlantic salmon spawning season, and putting in place a detailed Pollution Prevention Plan, it was concluded that there would be no adverse long-term impact on the SAC's integrity. For the Ballochbuie SPA, important for capercaillie, the assessment considered how more visitors might increase disturbance. It found that while there might be a small increase in human activity on nearby paths, this wouldn't significantly raise overall recreation levels or lead to off-path activities that would disturb the capercaillie, meaning no additional mitigation is needed for the SPA. In summary, with the specified protective measures for the River Dee SAC, the development is not expected to harm the integrity of either protected area.