Flooding is still very fresh in the minds of Cairngorms National Park residents following last December’s devastating Storm Frank, especially in Deeside where communities there – and in particular Ballater – felt the full force.

So it is timely that, at the most recent Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee meeting, members agreed the content of the Local Flood Risk Management Plans that have been prepared by the various local authorities covering the Park.

The committee agreed to the measures set out in the plans and the types of activities proposed for higher risk areas within the Park. It was also noted that Aberdeenshire Council are proposing to bring forward an additional Flood Prevention Study for Ballater.

All of this comes just weeks before the Park Authority launches ‘Big Park Big Questions’, the consultation on the next National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP). Nine key issues have been identified to focus the consultation, with one of those being flood management.

Eleanor Mackintosh, Convener of the CNPA Planning Committee explained: “The Flood Risk Management Strategies and Plans have taken many months to prepare. After Storm Frank in December 2015 I think everyone realises just how important it is to have such plans in place and for all the relevant people and organisations to work together.

“This is a mountainous National Park with the headwaters of several of Scotland’s major rivers. As we start to consult on the next National Park Partnership Plan, there are some key questions around what land use changes need to be made to deliver more effective natural flood management. We look forward to hearing what people have to say about this during the consultation which gets under way at the end of June.”

The next Cairngorms NPPP will run for five years from 2017. It is a management plan for the whole Park, setting out a vision and overarching strategy for managing the area. It sets out how all those with a responsibility for the Park will co-ordinate their work to tackle the most important issues.