WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the pdf version of this document. Cairngorms National Park Authority Paper 7 Annex 1 05/09/08 Cairngorms National Park Authority Corporate Plan Monitoring: Progress Against 46 Achievements Table not available in full text format HEADINGS: - Priority for Action in NP Plan /Achievements - Performance Monitoring – Year 1 Milestone - Comment on Progress (Relevant Operational Plan Lines Indicated) - NPP Actions Conserving Biodiversity and Landscape to sustain our Natural and Cultural Heritage 1 A landscape framework is in place which supports the management of the Park’s forests, woodland, moorland, upland and farmland areas. Landscape character assessment carried out 1, 2, 6 GREEN – Project plan and project management arrangements in place. Steering group established. Wildness study completed. Landscape Character Assessment being scoped. 1a, 1b, 1f 2 A mechanism is in place which allows biodiversity information to be collated and accessed by anyone interested in the Park. Gaps in research and opportunities for public input identified 11, 12 GREEN – gaps identified, project brief prepared ready for tender. Potential websites to host data identified. 3a, 3b 3 Action on priority species and habitats most at risk has been stimulated/initiated to stop further loss and enhance biodiversity. Level of additional work addressing priority species and habitats stimulated or levered in 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27 GREEN – twinflower, wild cat and wetland projects initiated. Grassland habitat survey on hold due to data issues. Progressing discussions on partnership against wildlife crime in Highland area. 3c – 3f 3h – 3k 4 Information on the cultural heritage resource within the Park is collated, accessible and used to conserve and promote the cultural heritage. Gaps and knowledge requirements identified. 7, 8, 9, 10 AMBER – gap in support identified. Proposed community heritage project to deliver achievement subject to current funding applications. 2a – 2d Integrating Public Support for Land Management to Deliver Public Benefits 5 Tailored public support and advice for land SRDP regional priorities 35, 39 1a, 1e managers within the Park meets their needs and is co-ordinated at a landscape scale. consistent GREEN – SRDP priorities sufficiently consistent with National Park Plan. Landscape scale projects on catchment management and sustainable land-use in development with partners. 6 Proactive advice enables land managers to make the most of the SRDP and other funds to deliver outcomes for the National Park. Value of funds invested in NP 40, 41 GREEN – advice being delivered through two Land Management Support Officers and other staff. Awareness raising roadshow completed. Additional assistance given to 5 estate applications and 1 Deer Management Group to date. 1f, 1g 7 Land management action on climate change has been encouraged/initiated to deliver the best possible impact on tackling climate change. LMSOs in place 36, 38, 42 GREEN - Green Farm Pilot completed including publication of farmers climate change guide. Development of sustainable land- use demonstrations in progress. 1b, 1d, 1h Sustainable Deer Management to Benefit People and the Environment 8 There will be a large-scale patchwork of deer densities across the National Park underpinned by an inclusive deer management planning process No. Green Farm Audits 44, 45, 48 GREEN – deer framework project initiated. Project plan in place and phase one to map desired deer densities commencing. Proposals for habitat monitoring in development. 1a, 1b, 1e 9 Greater public understanding of deer management Area covered by 44, 45 1a, 1b inclusive process GREEN – joint CNPA/DCS event with ACC held. Active community contributions to CDAG. 10 Opportunities to increase the economic value of wild deer are actively promoted. Socio-economic study completed 48 GREEN – socio-economic study progressing. Data from remaining contributor now received. Deer tourism project with Wild Scotland initiated. 1e Provide High Quality Opportunities for Outdoor Access to encourage more people to actively enjoy the outdoors 11 Outdoor Access Authority duties are delivered effectively and efficiently and advice and support on outdoor access rights and responsibilities is promoted and upheld No. & type of access cases reported to CNPA 67 – 78 Green: all access issues are dealt with timeously to an agreed set of priorities. 2a – 2l 12 The Core Paths Plan is adopted which identifies over 850 km of key links in the Park’s path network, including around 25 km new paths that will be built and open for public use by 2011 CPP adopted 52, 53, 54 Amber: There are 60 objections to the draft plan and it is unlikely that the plan will be adopted without recourse to a Public Local Inquiry. 1a, 1b, 1c 13 The Speyside Way is extended from Aviemore to Newtonmore Glenmore off-road route in place 56 Green: The Glenmore route is now complete with some signage issues still to be completed. Speyside Way extension rests with SNH submitting proposals to Ministers and this is due to happen by the end of December 08. 1e 14 A Park-wide Trust is in place which provides Cairngorms Outdoor 55, 57 – 66 1d, 1f – mechanism to manage outdoor access projects on a cooperative basis Access Trust established Green: Trust has been operating since April 2008. 1o 15 Comprehensive information about outdoor recreation opportunities across the Park is available – especially for young people, disabled people and people on low incomes Cairngorms on a shoestring available 79 – 83, 91 – 94 Green: Cairngorms on a shoestring has been published. 3a – 3e, 5a – 5e 16 Healthy walking groups are available in every community No. of communities with a healthy walking group 91 – 94? Amber: coverage has now been increased into Moray and new groups established in Strathdon but there remains some communities not covered. 5a – 5d? Making Tourism and Business more sustainable to create a high quality sustainable destination 17 Businesses within the Park provide a high quality, environmentally friendly service and benefit from using the Park brand 120 businesses awarded brand Green: Current business brand approvals at 121. Total brand users currently at over 140; CCC committed to bringing all members up to standards required within a year (some 300 members, not all are eligible to apply however). New target sectors including food producers identified. 1a – 1c, 1e, 2g, 3c 18 Businesses within the Park have environmental plans in place 40+ businesses developing environmental plans GREEN: Contract issued to Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce in July 08 to carry out initial research on take-up of , and attitudes to, quality & environmental accreditation. 2b 19 A voluntary contribution scheme for visitors and Scoping study completed GREEN: Initial paper and 1d sustainability fund is in place to collect funding for conservation initiatives within the Park. discussion at delivery team meeting and private sector (DMOs and CCC) have agreed to take a lead on the scoping study with CNPA staff support. 20 All communities within the Park have community action plans in place 3+ new action plans Amber: Grantown on Spey etc. pilot completed , proposals currently being developed as to how can be rolled out across the patch. Proposals also being developed in Moray (Glen livet and Tomintoul) and Aberdeenshire (Ballater) ? 21 Active support for communities and other potential beneficiaries within the Park to make the most of LEADER/other funding opportunities to lever extra funds into the Park New Cairngorms Local Action Group and Business Plan approved by Scottish Government; BP aligned to Park Plan 103 AMBER - New LEADER allocation awaited from Scottish Government, other funding support from CNPA & SNH in place. Approval process begun, full information on www.cairngorms-leader.com 1f Making Housing more affordable and sustainable to help meet the needs of people living in the Park 22 The Local Plan is adopted and implemented by the CNPA and the four Local Authorities to help deliver affordable and sustainable housing in the Park Modifications agreed/consulted on, Local Plan Inquiry held. 184, 127 AMBER – responses to consultation on modifications raise various issues that require further consideration. March 2009 earliest date for LPI, yet to be confirmed by Reporters’ Unit. 4a 23 Potential sites have been identified for housing Sufficient land allocated 128, 127 4d, 4a including affordable housing across the Park to meet identified needs for next 5 years. AMBER – sites identified, but until LP adopted many of them cannot be implemented. 24 Action to make a wider range of affordable housing available in the Park has been stimulated / initiated to help people living in the Park Policies and allocations in local plan reflect range of housing needed. 121 – 124 AMBER – policies and allocations in Deposit LP, but until LPI and adoption they cannot be confirmed. 2a – 2d 25 The sustainable design guide has been adopted to provide a consistent basis for pursing high standards of sustainable design across the Park. Design guide prepared, consulted on, adopted as supplementary guidance. 125, 126 AMBER – process in train to expedite production of design guide with intensive workshop session in autumn and subsequent stakeholder involvement. 3a, 3b Raising awareness and understanding of the National Park to encourage people of Scotland to take pride in this special place 26 Ranger services, Tourist Information Centres and other visitor centres across the Park are using the Park brand in a high profile way 50% of ranger centres & TICs use the Brand 135, 159, 160 GREEN – proposals being developed for presenting the CNP more effectively in 7 TIC’s and 2 ranger bases. 2a, 5a, 5b 27 A National Park web portal is in place and working effectively to meet customers/users needs Park web portal launched & phase 1 complete (visitors) 152, 153, 156 AMBER – agreement on how to present the DMO’s and CCC required before the portal can be launched. 4a, 4b 28 Cairngorms National Park is well sign-posted and promoted across Scotland Pre-arrival sign in place in 5 new locations. 131 – 133 AMBER – Final granite entry marker being installed at 1a - 1c Kinlochlaggan. Work on pre- arrival signs on trunk roads with Transport Scotland making slow progress. 29 Educational resources have been developed and a variety of formal and informal Park-related learning opportunities have been delivered Increase in volunteers & JMA awards 146, 151, 158 GREEN – CNPA, SCRA & Glen Tanar Estate ran a successful Europarc Junior ranger camp in July with 31 young people (11 from Scotland). 1,400 people have completed the JMA in this year. 12 CAP courses delivered – approx. 200 attendees. GREEN - CNPA and Learning & Teaching Scotland holding seminar on 30 Sept to identify ways to use the National Park in the Curriculum for Excellence. LTS developing a National Parks site on the Glow schools intranet. AMBER - Cairngorms Learning Zone website to be launched in Autumn 08. 3d, 3i, 4g 30 A co-ordinated, Park-wide programme of events promoting the special qualities of the Park is available and publicised for everyone to enjoy 149, 150 GREEN – Free and reasonably priced Countryside Events promoted in ‘What’s On’. All Countryside Events promoted on 3g, 3k CNPA website and via CCC and Visit Scotland. Strategy and Communications to deliver our role effectively and efficiently 31 A research programme is in place to provide information about the State of the Park Gaps and knowledge requirements identified 162 – AMBER work is ongoing to identify gaps in the available information and to prioritise what our research work in agreement with our partners 6a 32 Lead & co-ordinate the implementation of the National Park Plan and make significant progress towards achieving the plan outcomes by 2012 NPP Annual Progress Report 168, 169 – GREEN the NPP progress report 2007/08 has been produced and distributed to interested parties. 33 Prepare and report on CNPA Corporate Plan CNPA Annual Report & corporate plan updates 170 – GREEN the CNPA Annual Report & Accounts 07/08 is being produced and will be distributed at the end of September along with a copy of the CNPA Corporate Plan 2008-2011 34 Communications to support effective partnership working Opinion Former Survey & partner engagement (attendance figures) 171 – 178 – GREEN advisory forums were held during May/June and are planned for October. Depending on the strategic review an opinion poll with our partners is planned for October/Nov and the CNPA website is being revised to help provide information on the NPP. 35 Using the Cairngorms National Park as the inspiration, and collating work by partners, our communications function has been deployed to publicise and Carry out climate change survey & produce promotional materials for 116, 151, 163, 179, 196, 197 – GREEN climate change was the theme of the SEARs stand at the 3d, 3i, 6b promote awareness and understanding of climate change, and actions individuals can take. promotional materials for events & on websites RHS and information on what people can do to tackle climate change was provided at various events across the Park. ‘The Green Diary’ distributed across the east side of the Park includes various articles on climate change and a survey which will also be promoted via our website and the Strathy. Local produce was promoted during National Park’s week and talks in September on deer management in schools will promote venison. Planning and development management to ensure the Park is a well designed and sustainable place 36 Planning & Development Management service delivered which is pro-active, efficient and effective and contributes to the Park aims & delivery of the National Park Plan All applications determined within 3 months of call in where necessary information to allow decision available. 186 Green – most applications require further information from various parties, it is sought speedily and if obtained in time the applications are determined within this timescale. 37 Local Plan is in place and used as a basis for encouraging and managing sustainable development in the Park Modifications agreed/consulted on, Local Plan Inquiry held. 127 AMBER – responses to consultation on modifications raise various issues that require further consideration. March 2009 earliest date for LPI, yet to be confirmed. 4a 38 Supplementary guides are in place including sustainable design guide, renewable energy Sustainable design guide, open space strategy, Aviemore Masterplan prepared and adopted 182 AMBER – see line 25 for design guide. Other supplementary guidance related to roll out of local plan work. Aviemore masterplan to be taken forward over coming months building on draft prepared by consultants. 39 Enforcement monitoring of the local plan and planning and development management process and conditions Enforcement Charter and Enforcement post in place 183 Amber – enforcement recruitment soon to take place and charter and post will be in place by end of operational plan period. 40 E-Planning regime established and widely used 185 Green – CNPA website has details of applications, working with Scottish Government and others on national roll out. Corporate Services – as a public body the CNPA has a duty to deliver a high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive service 41 Lead, co-ordinate & deliver service improvements “Best Value” service improvement action plan delivered satisfactorily 192 – 195, 198, 199, 200 – 204 GREEN – Management Team review of Best Value action plan in May 08 confirms planned improvements remain on track. Partnership working remains ongoing with SNH and SEPA on a range of support service improvements. 42 Staff trained and able to participate in SEARS; working arrangements with other public bodies to facilitate seamless service to public (such as shared service points; secondments of staff) 205 – 207 GREEN The Authority has contributed to the development of the SEARS project and its successful launch in June 2008, and through SEARS made a key step in joint working and improving service provision with 8 other public sector partners. Other joint working initiatives currently underway with SNH (IT services); SEPA (facilities management and procurement); Highland Council (service information provision). Management Team (May 08) has confirmed Best Value action plan is progressing as intended. 43 Lead own internal organisational greening initiatives to identify and implement sustainability improvements in policies and practices 2% to 3% annual reduction in carbon emissions from CNPA business travel. 196 GREEN Greening initiatives ongoing, with next GTBS audit of practices scheduled for autumn 2008. 2007/08 benchmark of 57.1 tonnes of carbon emissions from business car travel established against which to assess milestone of 2% - 3% reduction in 2008/09. 44 Realise 2% efficiency savings 2% efficiency savings delivered 199 – 201 GREEN Initial report to Finance Committee in May 08 confirms on track to achieve year 1 milestone of £90,000 cash-releasing efficiency saving. 45 Implement internal equalities action plans Internal equality actions implemented satisfactorily and in line with Equality Schemes Action Plan 202 GREEN Joint Equality Scheme annual update, covering disability, race and gender published June 08. Staff from all Groups attended Equality Impact Assessment training July 08. 46 Encourage others to deliver equality action plans and meet best practice standards AMBER Good practice encouraged through Inclusive Cairngorms meetings, 1 member attended Equality Impact Assessment training.