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 MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE held at The Lonach Hall, Strathdon, on 31st Oct 2008 at 10.30am PRESENT Eric Baird Mary McCafferty Stuart Black Willie McKenna Geva Blackett Eleanor Mackintosh Nonie Coulthard (arrived late) Ian Mackintosh Jaci Douglas Anne MacLean Dave Fallows Alastair MacLennan Lucy Grant Andrew Rafferty David Green Richard Stroud Marcus Humphrey Susan Walker Bob Kinnaird Ross Watson Bruce Luffman IN ATTENDANCE: Don McKee Mary Grier Pip Mackie Marie Duncan APOLOGIES: Duncan Bryden Drew Hendry Fiona Murdoch Sandy Park AGENDA ITEMS 1 & 2: WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 1. The Vice - Convenor welcomed all present. 2. Apologies were received from the above Members. AGENDA ITEM 3: MINUTES & MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING 3. The minutes of the previous meeting, 17th October 2008, held at The Community Centre, Nethy Bridge were approved. 4. There were no matters arising. AGENDA ITEM 4: DECLARATION OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS ON ANY ITEMS APPEARING ON THE AGENDA 5. Geva Blackett declared an interest in Planning Application No. 08/357/CP & 08/358/CP. 6. Marcus Humphrey declared an interest in Planning Application No 08/359/CP. AGENDA ITEM 5: PLANNING APPLICATION CALL-IN DECISIONS (Oral Presentation, Mary Grier) 7. 08/352/CP -No Call-in 8. 08/353/CP -No Call-in 9. 08/354/CP -No Call-in 10. 08/355/CP -No Call-in 11. 08/356/CP -No Call-in 12. Geva Blackett declared an interest and left the room. 13. 08/357/CP -No Call-in 14. 08/358/CP -No Call-in 15. Geva Blackett returned. 16. Marcus Humphrey declared an interest and left the room. 17. 08/359/CP -The decision was to call-in the application for the following reason: • The proposal represents the erection of a new dwelling house in a countryside area where there are general restrictions on residential development unless there is a demonstrable justification. The site lies within an Area of Landscape Significance and also within the River Dee Special Area of Conservation. Access to the site also crosses the former railway line which is a proposed core path. The proposal therefore generates considerations in relation to the principle of housing in countryside areas, the precedent for other similar developments, the cumulative visual and landscape impacts of single houses throughout the countryside in the national park, as well as raising natural and cultural heritage issues and access and recreation issues. As such the proposal raises issues of general significance to the collective aims of the National Park. Marcus Humphrey returned. 18. 08/360/CP -No Call-in COMMENTING ON APPLICATIONS NOT CALLED-IN BY THE COMMITTEE 19. The Members wished to make comments to the Local Authorities on the following Planning Application No’s 08/353/CP & 08/355/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. AGENDA ITEM 6: ANY OTHER BUSINESS 20. Don McKee advised members of a site visit at Kingussie to view 3 applications (08/184/CP, 08/183/CP & 06/054/CP) prior to Committee meeting on 14 Nov 08 at 9am, arrangements to be confirmed. 21. Bruce Luffman advised members on the Scottish Government Planning summit he attended on the 28th Oct 08. which covered the following topics: a) The governments plans to free up the planning system b) The advantage of masterplans for regeneration c) Planning applications brought forward by the private sector d) Input to the planning system from public bodies e.g. SEPA e) Ethical Standards and Complaints process f) The need for the public to be involved with the planning consultation process g) New proposals for hearing panels h) The potential for a planning centre of excellence 22. Nonie Coulthard arrived at meeting. 23. Don McKee informed members of the new Scottish Planning Policy Document detailing delivery of the planning reform and copies of the document are available on request. 24. Susan Walker mentioned her declaration of interest in SEPA but agreed that the planning process required to be speeded up, although there were reservations on how this could be achieved when Planning Authorities were using Local Plans which were considered outdated. 25. Dave Fallows stated that the pre-application process is a crucial part of the planning system, particularly in order for developers to bring forward quality applications. 26. David Green informed members that the sustainable design guide should help the planning process. AGENDA ITEM 7: DATE OF NEXT MEETING 27. 10:30am Friday, 14th November 2008 at Talla nan Ros, Kingussie. 28. Committee Members are requested to ensure that any Apologies for this meeting are submitted to the Planning Office in Ballater. 29. The meeting concluded at 11:10hrs.