Holiday park expansion opens up more opportunities for visitors

A popular caravan and holiday park is set to offer more facilities to visitors after the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee approved its expansion plans this morning (Friday 28 January).

The Dalraddy Holiday Park, between Aviemore and Kincraig, already offers pitches for camping and touring caravans, as well as static caravans and holiday chalets. To meet the growing demand for touring pitches, the applicants have sought permission to increase the number of spaces for caravans and campervans, along with the erection of two amenity blocks and additional car parking spaces.

The CNPA Planning Committee gave the go ahead for the project, while meeting online today.

Addressing the committee, CNPA Planning Officer Alan Atkins said: “The application is for 36 new pitches, two amenity blocks comprising male and female shower rooms, toilets as well as a services room, laundry room, and an outside, covered washing area. The application also includes adjustments to the site to accommodate an additional 49 parking spaces. The policies in our Local Development Plan support this type of project, enhancing recreation and leisure facilities and contributing to a year-round economy.

“The proposed extension to the holiday park will also improve the management of, and ease the growing pressure from visitors within the wider area. This proposal is a direct response to an anticipated increase in Covid-related holiday patterns and will make a positive contribution to the experience of visitors.”

The planning officer’s report also highlighted that, given the scale of the development, it is unlikely that there were will be any adverse impacts on the ecology of the site, and
surrounding area, which was welcomed by committee members.

Dr Gaener Rodger, the Convener of the CNPA Planning Committee commented: “The application for additional tourist facilities will be a welcome addition to what is already on offer in this area of the Cairngorms National Park. I am sure it will help to ease the growing pressure from visitors within the locality – and as it’s already a holiday park operating very successfully, I am perfectly happy to support the officer’s recommendation to approve this planning application.”

To read the planning papers in full please go here.