Ever wondered how a planning application in the Cairngorms National Park is decided? Why building can happen in some places and not others? How you can get involved in decisions on the future development in the Cairngorms National Park?

Now’s your chance! The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and local Councils are holding workshops for people to find out about planning with staff on hand to answer any questions.

CNPA Education and Inclusion Manager, Claire Ross, said: “We understand the planning system and how all the different organisations work together can seem complicated and we want to dispel some of the myths that are out there. “People have strong views on what should and shouldn’t happen in a National Park and these workshops are an opportunity to find out when you can get involved in shaping development in the Park from the new Local Development Plan to individual planning applications, as well as what our role is and what the local Councils are responsible for.”

The workshops are open to everyone and will take place:

4th June Newtonmore Village Hall 10am – 12.30pm

4th June Nethy Bridge Community Centre 2.30pm – 5pm

11th June Braemar Village Hall 10am – 12.30pm

11th June Blair Atholl Village Hall 2.30pm – 5pm

Earlier this year the CNPA held workshops in Ballater and Aviemore to get feedback on its planning service. CNPA Planning Committee Chairman, Duncan Bryden, said: “These workshops are all part of a drive to improve the service we provide as a planning authority and keep people informed and involved in what’s happening in the Park. The sessions held in March were well attended by people who’ve used the planning service keen to comment on their experience and ask questions. However, it was also clear to us that there was still a lack of understanding of what the planning system is all about and how people can influence decisions, and this is why we are now holding these workshops. I hope people take as much interest in finding out more about this very important part of being a National Park.”

Planning Aid Scotland, who facilitated the workshops in March, have compiled a report based on the feedback received. The CNPA will use the report and other feedback to inform the next Service Improvement Plan that goes to Planning Committee on 24 June 2011.

CNPA Head Planner, Don McKee, said: “We value the contributions to these workshops and will be holding more later in the year to help us continually improve the service we provide to all users of the planning service.”

For more information go the planning section of our website or contact the CNPA Planning Office on 013397 53601.

Planning in the Cairngorms National Park