Telecomms mast refused by Planning Committee

An application for detailed planning permission for a telecommunications installation by EE was refused today by the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Planning Committee.

The proposed site near the summit of Gael Charn, a hilltop located in Glen Avon approximately eight kilometres south west of Tomintoul, is within the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area, designated because it regularly supports a population of breeding golden eagles.

Planning Committee Convener, Cllr Chris Beattie, said: “The application was refused by Planning Committee members as it contravenes several Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework policies.

“The proposal does not include any appropriate measures to conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity in accordance with national and local guidance, and the potential adverse impacts on biodiversity, nature networks and the natural environment have not been minimised through careful planning and design.”

A 13-point summary of the reasons for refusal of the EE telecommunications installation can be found in the Committee Report.

In addition, an application from House of Bruar for the erection of a warehouse building, access track, parking and associated works was approved in principle, subject to conditions which will be discussed at the next Planning Committee meeting in June 2025. As SEPA have an outstanding objection to this application on flood risk grounds, it will then need to be referred to Scottish Ministers.