Breaches of planning rules
The Park Authority and local authorities monitor planning permissions that they have granted. Together we have powers to enforce planning conditions if a development does not comply with them, and control development that takes place without the correct permission.
The enforcement register lists cases where we have served enforcement notices.
Our enforcement charter explains how the planning enforcement process works, the role of the Park Authority and the service standards we have set.
Which authority do I report to?
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is a call in authority. Applications within the National Park boundary will only be dealt with by the Park Authority if the application poses issues of significance to the National Park aims. Applications not dealt with by the Park Authority are determined by the relevant local authority.
If the breach falls into one or more of the following categories, then it is likely the Park Authority would be the lead authority for determination and enforcement.
- Tracks, hill tracks, estate tracks, footpaths and those which could have a potential impact upon important natural and cultural heritage interests and / or sites of particular landscape sensitivities.
- Wind turbines, hydro schemes or large solar panel farms.
- Minerals applications - quarries and borrow pits.
- Housing - five or more residential units within a settlement.
- Housing - three or more residential units outside a settlement.
- More than 250m² gross floor area, or 0.25ha, of employment space outside settlements.
- Listed building consent applications that involve major external or internal changes or are otherwise linked to an application of type 1.
- Conservation area consent applications linked to another application of type 1.
If the breach does not fall into one of the above categories, then it is likely that the relevant local authority will be the lead authority and therefore should be notified. If you are unsure who to inform, please contact our Planning team who will determine the above and pass the case on to the relevant authority.
What do I need to report a breach?
If you decide to report a suspected breach, the planning authority will need:
- The address of the property concerned.
- The name of the owner of the property and if you know, the person responsible for the suspected breach.
- Details of the suspected breach of planning control, with times and dates if relevant.
- Your name, telephone number, address and if possible, email address.
- Information on how the breach affects you.
Get in touch
For more information on breaches of planning rules in the Cairngorms National Park please contact our Planning team:
- By email on [email protected]
- By phone on +44 (0) 1479 873 535
- By visiting our office, or sending post to, 14 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland, PH26 3HG, which is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Alert
Related
Report a planning breach
Fill in this form if you suspect a development has breached its planning permission.
Planning guidance
Find advice and support on planning in the Cairngorms National Park.
Helpful planning contacts
Find out who to contact about planning and development in the Cairngorms National Park.
Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.