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 DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE held at The Village Hall, Laggan on 10th August 2007 at 10.30am PRESENT Eric Baird Mary McCafferty Stuart Black Willie McKenna Geva Blackett Eleanor Mackintosh Duncan Bryden Anne MacLean Nonie Coulthard Alastair MacLennan Basil Dunlop Sandy Park Angus Gordon Andrew Rafferty Lucy Grant David Selfridge David Green Sheena Slimon Marcus Humphrey Richard Stroud Bob Kinnaird Ross Watson Bruce Luffman Bob Wilson IN ATTENDANCE: Andrew Tait Wendy Mitchell APOLOGIES: Susan Walker, Stuart Black and Marcus Humprey WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 1. The Convenor welcomed all present. 2. Apologies were received from the above Members. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING 3. The minutes of the previous meeting, 27th August 2007, held at The Albert Memorial Hall, Ballater were approved. 4. There were no matters arising. DECLARATION OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS ON ANY ITEMS APPEARING ON THE AGENDA 5. Sheena Slimon declared an interest in Planning Application No. 07/309/CP. PLANNING APPLICATION CALL-IN DECISIONS (Oral Presentation,) 6. 07/295/CP - No Call-in 7. 07/296/CP - No Call-in 8. 07/297/CP - No Call-in 9. 07/298/CP - No Call-in 10. 07/299/CP - No Call-in 11. 07/300/CP - No Call-in 12. 07/301/CP - No Call-in 13. 07/302/CP - No Call-in 14. 07/303/CP - No Call-in 15. 07/304/CP - No Call-in 16. 07/305/CP - No Call-in 17. 07/306/CP - No Call-in 18. 07/307/CP - No Call-in 19. 07/308/CP - No Call-in 20. 07/309/CP - The decision was to call-in the application for the following reason : • The proposal represents further workings at an existing quarry close to Dalwhinnie. The site is immediately adjacent to the A889, and the start of a Drove Road promoted Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society. The site is also visible from the village. The proposal raises issues with regard to landscape, landscape restoration and the economic and social development of the area as well as issues in relation to promoting understanding and enjoyment. The application therefore raises issues of general significance for the collective aims of the Cairngorms National Park. COMMENTING ON APPLICATIONS NOT CALLED-IN BY THE COMMITTEE 21.The Members wished to make comments to the Local Authorities on the following Planning Application No’s 07/295/CP, 07/298/CP, 07/302/CP, 07/307/CP & 07/308/CP. The planning officers noted these comments and were delegated with the responsibility of whether or not to submit the comments to the Local Authorities. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 22.David Green advised the Committee that they had been circulated with the Galton appeal decision. 23. Duncan Bryden raised an issue regarding water removal from the west side of the Park, particularly from the Truim, and the potential to impact on planning, for example the Local Plan and the Water Framework Directive. Duncan Bryden also pointed out that the presence of a new landowner in this area of the park could be an issue and that perhaps the Planners and Natural Heritage Group could formulate a paper for the Board regarding these issues. 24. Andrew Tait responded by agreeing that this should be discussed. 25. Bruce Luffman raised an issue regarding the Galton appeal decision, stating that there were some contradictory conditions within the decision. 26. Andrew Tait responded by suggesting that an analysis of the decision could be taken to the next Committee Meeting. 27. Eric Baird also raised concerns regarding the appeal decision, in particular that there were facts reported that were not accurate in terms of breeding birds. 28. Eleanor Mackintosh also raised concerns regarding inaccurate reporting of the Desposit Local Plan being a material consideration. 29. Andrew Tait responded by suggesting that concerns could be raised in a letter to the Scottish Executive. 30. Andrew Rafferty raised an issue that was not a planning issue but that of concerns regarding the growth and abundance of ragwort along roadsides. 31. Anne MacLean responded regarding whose responsibility it should be to remove ragwort. 32. Geva Blackett stated that this was of concern in Aberdeenshire also. 33. David Green raised an issue regarding the importance of the Local Plan Consultation that is ongoing and that there was a need for more encouragement of the public to get involved and attend the organised drop in meetings. David Green also pointed out that the Badenoch and Strathspey Herald had reported on the Deposit Local Plan very well. 34.Mary MacCafferty stated that there was a need for Community Councils to receive more advertising material for consultations. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 69. Friday, 24th August at Kincraig Village Hall. 70.Committee Members are requested to ensure that any Apologies for this meeting are submitted to the Planning Office in Ballater. 71.The meeting concluded at 11:15hrs.