The Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee met today to consider applications proposing new motorhome pitches in Ballater and an additional mountain biking run at The Lecht.

The Committee agreed that an application for a change of use of a putting green to form 12 motorhome pitches at Ballater Golf Club should be approved, subject to conditions. The pitches aim to address some of the pressures associated with informal motorhome parking in the area. As there are outstanding flood risk objections from SEPA and Aberdeenshire Council, the application will now be referred to Scottish Ministers, who may decide to call it in for determination themselves.

An additional mountain biking downhill run on the existing “buzzard” lift at The Lecht ski centre was also approved today. The additional run aims to help extend the visitor season.

A retrospective application for the erection of an agricultural storage shed on Revack Estate was deferred. It followed a motion to defer a decision until a fully detailed plan for compensatory planting is submitted to the planning committee.

All papers relating to the Park Authority’s Planning Committee meeting can be found here.