Process of producing next Cairngorms LDP begins
Process of producing next Cairngorms LDP begins
Work is getting underway on preparing the next Local Development Plan (LDP) for the Cairngorms National Park and next week the board of the Park Authority will be asked to give the go-ahead for the first formal consultation in the process to take place later this year.
The Cairngorms National Park LDP is the starting point in making any planning decisions – it sets out how places should change or stay the same and the best location for new homes, businesses, public services and so on.
One of the first steps in the process of creating a new LDP is to have a consultation on the Main Issues Report (MIR) which sets out the Park Authority’s ideas for how things should look in the future – and it is at this crucial stage that people should get involved and make their views known.
Meeting in Boat of Garten next week (Friday 6 October), the CNPA board will be asked to give the go-ahead for the consultation on the MIR, which is expected to start in November.
Gavin Miles, Head of Planning and Communities at the CNPA commented: “The MIR describes the big issues for the new LDP. Although we expect to carry forward many of the sites and policies of the current LDP, we are proposing to make some significant changes in the new Plan. Probably one of the biggest changes is to our affordable housing policy – we are proposing to increase the number of affordable homes in developments from 25 per cent to up to 45 per cent in areas where there is greatest need. This flexible approach should help deliver affordable housing where it is needed the most.
“It will be up to the Board next week to decide if they are content for us to go out to consultation on the Main Issues Report – this being the most important time for people to get involved. If people have ideas or comments they want to share, they must be made at this early stage before officers get to work on preparing a proposed LDP.”
To get to this important stage of the process the CNPA has already had discussions with its Board, informal consultations with community councils and associations in the Park, as well as having undergone the ‘Call for Sites and Ideas’ process earlier this year.
You can read the CNPA Board papers for the meeting on the 6 October on the CNPA website.
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Ongoing wildfire near Ryvoan Bothy
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire south of Aviemore.
Historic bridge in Nethy replaced after years of community effort
New bridge over Allt Mòr Burn officially opens
Endangered ant queen found in Royal Deeside
An exciting discovery in Royal Deeside is being hailed as a milestone in the recovery of a critically endangered species.
Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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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.