Planning Committee - February 2021

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 26 February 2021. The meeting will be held virtually via video link at 10am. The agenda includes items such as welcomes, apologies, minutes from the previous meeting on 11 December 2020, and declarations of interest. There are also three planning applications to be discussed: erection of farm buildings, conversion of farm buildings to visitor facilities, and erection of zipwire platforms.

This document contains approved minutes from a Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting held via video conference on 11 December 2020. The meeting covered several agenda items, including minutes from the previous meeting, declarations of interest, a detailed planning permission for a new road and bridge, a consultation on a windfarm extension, a planning service performance update, and a discussion on affordable housing agreements. The committee approved the planning permission, supported the officer's recommendation of no objection to the windfarm extension (with mitigation measures), noted the planning service performance, and agreed to changes to the housing agreements. The meeting also included updates on other planning matters and concluded with thanks to the outgoing Planning Committee Convener. The next meeting was scheduled for 22 January 2021.

This document contains a planning application for the erection of farm buildings, associated works, and access formation on land 100m east of Lynovoan Lynchat Kingussie. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) planning officer recommends approval of the application, which seeks to address conditions related to a previous planning permission for the relocation of Balavil Home Farm due to the A9 dualling. The application includes details on the layout, landscape, and ecological impacts, as well as surface water drainage provisions, site access, and waste management. Transport Scotland and other consultees have reviewed the plans and, following revisions, are satisfied that the proposal will no longer impact the A9 dualling scheme.

This document contains plans for agenda item 5, appendix 1a, specifically looking at the Balavil farm relocation, including location plans with site boundaries and adjacent land ownership, site plans detailing existing and proposed features like buildings, fences, and drainage, and proposed site layouts. The plans address various planning permission conditions, showing proposed surface water sewers, septic tanks and reedbeds. There are also sections showing contour base plans with existing and proposed levels, cross sections, an access track plan, and a boundary treatment and visitor vehicle parking plan, with proposed fencing and gates. Finally, there are some landscape proposals which cover planting schedules and maintenance.

This document contains plans for a farm relocation project at Balavil Estate, with details on drainage, a mound filter system, a reed bed, building plans, and lighting. The drainage plan includes surface water management with filter strips, filter drains, and a basin, as well as foul water drainage with a septic tank and mound filter system. The building plans cover a sheep building, cattle building, bull building, equipment/tractor store, and straw and hay storage, showing floor plans and elevations. The lighting plan indicates the proposed locations, aiming to minimize energy use and light spill.

This document contains the Scottish Ministers' decision regarding a planning application for the relocation of Balavil Home Farm and construction of new farm buildings, farmyard, associated utilities/drainage, landscape and access road to new farm at Land East of Lynovoan, Lynchat, Kingussie. The application, submitted by ABC Planning & Design on behalf of Balavil Estate Limited, was initially called in by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and subsequently by the Scottish Ministers for determination. The application was considered via written representations, and the Scottish Ministers have granted planning permission in principle, subject to attached conditions, emphasizing the need to align with the A9 Dualling Scheme. The decision is final but subject to legal challenges within 6 weeks, and copies of the report have been sent to relevant parties, including Highland Council, the CNPA, and Transport Scotland.

This document contains a planning application for the Cairngorms National Park Authority concerning the conversion of farm buildings into visitor facilities and commercial use, including extensions, a cafe, and parking at Steading Balavil Mains Farmhouse in Kingussie. The Balavil Estate is the applicant, and the application was called in on 12 October 2020, with a recommendation to approve subject to certain conditions. The application seeks renewal of planning permission and listed building consent from 2016, with the proposed development aiming to enhance tourism and re-use existing buildings, but with considerations for the A9 dualling scheme, environmental impacts, and historical aspects of the site being taken into account. Approval is recommended subject to conditions to maintain road safety, and ensure flood prevention measures are in place.

This document contains the agenda for item 6, appendix 1a, for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting on 26 February 2021. It includes plans submitted for renewal under references 2020/0236/DET and 2020/0241/LBC. Also included is a location plan of the Mains of Balavil, dated 10 September 2020.

This document contains plans originally approved for application numbers 2020/0236/DET and 2020/0241/LBC as agenda item 6, appendix 1b for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee on 26 February 2021. The plans include a site plan, ground floor plan, and south-east, south-west, north-west elevations along with information regarding the landscape general arrangement. This includes details about coach turning, parking areas, cycling facilities, tree protection, landscape bunding, tree planting, fencing, and drainage. The plan details dimensions, materials, and specific locations for structures and landscaping. There is also an aerial photograph showing the bus stop location.

This document contains a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) for planning application 2016/0153/DET at Balavil Mains Farmhouse in Kingussie. The proposed development involves converting farm buildings into visitor facilities and commercial space. The assessment looks at the potential impact of the development on nearby Natura sites, specifically the River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Insh Marshes SAC, and Insh Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA). The HRA concludes that with the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the Species Protection Plan and Pollution Prevention Plan, the development is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on these protected areas.

This document contains an agenda item related to planning application 2020/0236/DET for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee on 26 February 2021. It specifically includes Appendix 3, which details representations received regarding an objection to the application. The application itself concerns the conversion of farm buildings into visitor facilities and commercial use at Steading Balavil Mains Farmhouse in Kingussie, including extensions, a cafe, and parking. A member of the public, Mr David Fallows, objects to the application, citing concerns about economic displacement in Newtonmore and Blair Atholl due to similar developments. Mr Fallows argues that the proposed development could further harm local businesses in the Badenoch villages.

This document contains a planning application for the erection of zipwire platforms and the installation of three double zipwires at the Glenshee Ski Centre in Braemar. Glenshee Limited submitted the application on 2 November 2020, reference number 2020/0254/DET. The planning officer recommends approval of the application, subject to certain conditions, as the proposal aligns with the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2015, specifically supporting economic growth and sport and recreation. While concerns were raised regarding landscape impact and potential harm to wildlife, the proposal includes mitigation measures. The Environmental Health department has no objections, and the Braemar Community Council supports the development for its potential economic benefits.

This document contains plans for a proposed zipwire safari at Glenshee Ski Centre, submitted for planning consideration to the Cairngorms National Park Authority on 26 February 2021. The document, marked as Agenda Item 7, Appendix I, and numbered 2020/0254/DET, includes a location plan, general arrangement sheets detailing the zipwire profiles, and visualisations of the proposed development in the existing landscape. The plans show three zipwires running between different points on the ski slopes, including the Cairnwell, Carn Aosda, and near the Butcharts T-bar, with details of the start and finish platforms and associated infrastructure.

This document contains community council comments regarding planning application APP/2020/2089 for the erection of zipwire platforms and the installation of three double zipwires at Glenshee Ski Centre in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. The Braemar Community Council supports the planning application because it favours local business, brings economic benefits to the community, and enhances the tourist experience. The council also notes that the application aligns with Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) Local Development Plan policy 2, which supports economic growth.

This document contains an objection to a planning application (2020/0254/DET) for the erection of zipwire platforms and the installation of three double zipwires at Glenshee Ski Centre in Braemar. The objection, submitted by a member of the public, Mr Nick Kempe, raises concerns about the lack of information regarding the cumulative impact of the development, the operational details of the zipwire, the impact of weather conditions (including ice accumulation), and the potential risk of accidents, particularly involving skiers and birds. Mr Kempe suggests that a business and operational plan should be provided to enable an informed decision about the development.