Major Investment in Aviemore gets the go ahead from the Cairngorms National Park Authority

The Cairngorms National Park Authority’s planning committee met today (Friday 14th December 2007) and approved a number of planning applications relating to proposed developments in Aviemore.

Five applications were approved which represent a major investment in the future development of Aviemore, one of the largest settlements in the Park. Collectively, the applications represent a significant increase in retail, leisure, commercial and residential facilities including a new supermarket and car park and an additional 161 homes of which a minimum of 32 houses will be ‘affordable’.

David Green, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “This site plays an important role in the economy of Aviemore and the National Park as well as the surrounding area. Consequently, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and other public sector partners have put in considerable effort to work with the applicants, the local community and other interested parties to ensure these applications meet the needs of the Park and are brought for consideration, collectively at the earliest opportunity. The planning officers’ efforts have been both highly professional and expeditious as possible while ensuring the proper planning processes have been followed.

Now that these proposals have been approved we will continue to work closely with the applicants to ensure these developments support the four aims of the National Park and make a valuable contribution towards delivering various aspirations identified in the National Park Plan.”

Willie MacKenna, locally elected Member of the CNPA Board representing Aviemore said: “I am delighted that these proposals have been approved as this is an important step towards the further development of Aviemore. I have long raised my concerns that community services have been neglected in the area and these proposals could deliver a number of much needed community facilities as well as creating a number of job opportunities for the area. I now look forward to the applicant and the community working constructively together to get the best outcome for Aviemore.”