Flooding to the fore at CNPA planning meeting
Flooding to the fore at CNPA planning meeting
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.
Alert
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Glenmore fire update - 17 July at 2pm
An update on the wildfire situation at Glenmore in the Cairngorms National Park on 17 July at 2pm.
Glenmore fire update - 16 July at 2.30pm
Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy.
Ongoing wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire south of Aviemore.
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation at Glenmore within the Cairngorms National Park. Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
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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.