A variety of new houses at opposite ends of the Cairngorms National Park were given the go ahead today.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee approved an application from Atholl Estates to build eight, two-bedroom homes in the village of Blair Atholl in Highland Perthshire, aimed at the affordable rented market.

An application to turn the former secondary school in Tomintoul – which was closed by Moray Council in 2000 – into houses was also granted permission. This development will see the demolition of the old school and nine properties built on the site. The houses are a mixture of two and three bedrooms with three of the units being affordable homes.

Addressing planning committee members at the meeting in Boat of Garten this morning (Friday 23 March), planning officer Emma Wilson explained her recommendation for approval for the Tomintoul application.

She said: “The redevelopment of the former school will bring this vacant, derelict site back into use and the availability of new housing in the village will help meet local needs. The design and layout are acceptable and the proposals all comply with our various policies.”

The Tomintoul and Glenlivet area has been the focus of a multi-million pound regeneration initiative in recent years. Planning Committee Convener Eleanor Mackintosh welcomed yet another positive development in the village, “I fully support this application and I am delighted to see new homes in Tomintoul, especially the provision of affordable properties, which are much needed in the village.”

Members were also very positive and supportive of the Blair Atholl development where – as well as welcoming new rental properties at affordable rates – they also commented that the design and layout of the project will enhance the character of the Conservation Area.

Planning Officer Katherine Donnachie explained: “Housing developments within settlements are supported in principle and this small scale development is a good proposal for this currently vacant area of land. It is well located within the village and overall this development is welcomed.”

Commenting on the Blair Atholl application, Planning Committee member Peter Argyle said: “This is an excellent application with everything that we as a planning committee look for – we have affordable homes and good design.”

To read these planning applications in full please go here.