The Cairngorms National Park Local Plan Inquiry begins on Monday May 18

Weeks of debate to establish a vision for future development in the Cairngorms National Park will begin on Monday (May 18) in Aviemore.

The Cairngorms National Park Local Plan Inquiry begins at the Cairngorm Hotel but it will be held at various locations in the Park until Thursday June 4.

Among the topics to be debated will be:

– Affordable housing, Thursday May 21
– Future development in Grantown, Tuesday May 26
– Future development in Ballater, Wednesday May 27,
– Proposed housing development at An Camas Mor near Aviemore, Thursday May 28.

Planning officers with the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) have been involved in preparing a Local Plan since September 2004.

It will replace the current Local Plans covering the four local authority areas within the Park: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland and Moray. It will also set out detailed planning policies to guide development in the Park over the coming years and all planning applications within the Park will need to relate to the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan.

There have been objections raised, by various parties, to the Plan and the Inquiry will give those that have opted to speak, the chance to have their say in front of the Scottish Government Reporters Jill Moody and Hugh Begg.

Local residents and environmental groups will all make submissions to the inquiry.

The Reporters will then write a formal report for the CNPA to consider. The Plan is likely to be adopted in early 2010.

Duncan Bryden, Convener of the CNPA’s Planning Committee, said: “The development of the Local Plan has been a very inclusive process from the very beginning with extensive consultation with all interested parties including local people, communities, developers, non-governmental organisations and public agencies.

“Once it is in place it will replace the four Local Plans that currently cover the Park. We look forward to finalising the Plan and implementing it in partnership with others.”

The preparation of the Local Plan for the Park will play a key part in achieving the long term vision for the Park. Mr Bryden added: “A huge number of people have already influenced the plan, which is all about how we can keep the Cairngorms a place to be proud of and a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

“We are now in the final stages of work that commenced in 2004, and there have been several rounds of public consultation and many local meetings. We look forward to the Local Plan being adopted.”

Use the link to view the Inquiry timetable and for any other information, visit the Local Plan Inquiry section on the CNPA website.

Using the above links, anyone can access the various submissions of written evidence made to the Inquiry and other relevant information about it.