Aviemore new town takes a big step forward

The creation of a new town near Aviemore which could become home to up to 4,000 people has taken a major step forward.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has granted planning permission in principle for the community at An Camas Mòr on Rothiemurchus.

As many as 1,500 homes could be built over the River Spey from Aviemore in the next 25 to 30 years.

Eleanor Mackintosh, convener of the CNPA’s planning committee, welcomed the landmark being reached.

She said: "We are delighted to see the legal framework on planning permission in principle now agreed for An Camas Mòr and hope the developers will submit their detailed masterplan soon.

"The concept of An Camas Mòr is about creating a new sustainable community within the Cairngorms National Park over the next 20 to 30 years with homes, community facilities and work places all reflecting this special location."

The notion of a new community at the site was first suggested by Aviemore Community Council more than 20 years ago.

From a short-time there-after then Rothiemurchus laird Johnnie Ross and his team of experts have been working on the plans to reach today’s milestone.

He said: "We welcome this significant step towards meeting the longstanding Aviemore and Vicinity Community Council vision of a new planned community at An Camas Mor."

Elgin-based Springfield has been brought on board to build the first 200 homes including 80 affordable homes.

Their spokesman, Kenny Shand, said: "This is very welcome news and a major step forward in delivering a sustainable, planned community which is appropriate for its outstanding location and delivers much needed new homes and commercial space locally.

"We can now move quickly to submit our master plan and hope to be on site later in the year working on the first phase of the development which will include 40% affordable homes."

There has been considerably objection to the new town from environmental groups and others whose concerns include the impact on wildlife and visual intrusion.

Objections to An Camas Mor were details at a public inquiry into land allocation for housing in the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan. The blueprint is still being challenged through legal channels.

A CNPA spokeswoman said: "An Camas Mòr aims to be an exemplar community for its sustainability and in terms of the quality of its environment, how people move about, water, energy, waste and wildlife management.

"The high standards the developer is required to meet are set out in the planning conditions attached to the planning permission . . . .

"Housing provision for local people continues to be a tough issue in the Cairngorms National Park and the CNPA is determined to ensure that sufficient housing that is accessible to people working in the area is brought forward whilst securing long term protection for the landscapes and wildlife that make this place so special.

"This is a difficult balance but one that the park authority feels An Camas Mòr should help to achieve."

• For more reaction get tomorrow’s Strathy

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