Plans for a new building in Newtonmore that will help conserve and protect items of significant cultural importance will be determined by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) Planning Committee this week.

The Planning Committee is being recommended by planners to approve the £3.7m development of the Highland Folk Museum by The Highland Council, subject to conditions.

The new building on the same site in Newtonmore would provide a suitable facility for staff and curators to work on restoring and looking after the artefacts which they currently do not have. It has been designed to ensure air circulation and daylight is managed to meet National standards. There would be meeting rooms to facilitate arranged visits and lectures, adding to the very successful public museum.

CNPA Planning Officer Mary Grier said: “Currently there are many items in storage that are of great importance to the cultural heritage of the Cairngorms National Park. We are satisfied this development will be of benefit by helping to conserve and protect this cultural heritage by enabling proper curatorship. We are also informed that this will help the museum retain National accreditation.”

The recommendation for approval is subject to planning conditions including improved landscaping.

The Planning Committee meeting takes place at 10.30am on Friday 27 April 2012 at The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. The planning paper can be read here.