Decision to safeguard Nethy Bridge woods is welcomed by campaigners
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A planning appeal by developers to build 20 homes on the outskirts of Nethy Bridge has been thrown out because it would lead to the loss of valuable ancient woodland.
Cairngorms National Park Authority’s (CNPA) planning committee members had turned down the bid for planning permission in principle last summer for the homes by 14-2 votes, going against their own planning officials’ recommendation after a two-hour hearing.
The application by CastleGlen Properties (Aberdeen) Ltd had been for seven affordable homes and 13 open market properties on the 1.97 hectares site between Craigmore Road and School Road.
The informal footpaths in the wider School Wood are popular with walkers, dog walkers and cyclists, and it is also used by capercaillie as a corridor between forests important for their populations.
It was also revealed in the appeal decision that the Woodland Trust would like to buy and manage the entire woods on behalf of the community.
The main issues addressed in the planning appeal were the principle of housing development; design and access; impact on the natural environment, ancient woodland and on the character of the area.
Reporter Rosie Leven, based with the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division in Falkirk, inspected the site in April.
She concluded that there were “no exceptional circumstances to permit the loss of this Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) site”.
Ms Leven stated in the report: “The Scottish Government’s policy on the Control of Woodland Removal (CWR) states woodland in general should only be removed where it would achieve significant and clearly defined additional public benefits.
“There is a strong presumption against removing certain types of woodland, including ancient semi-natural woodland. I therefore find that the proposals would be contrary to the CWR policy.
“Scottish Planning Policy recognises ancient semi-natural woodland as an irreplaceable resource, and seeks to protect it from adverse effects resulting from development... I consider that the woodland habitat is of high ecological value, and I have found no exceptional reasons to permit the loss of the AWI land.”
Ms Leven accepted the proposal would provide “welcome” additional affordable housing, but concluded that there is an effective supply of housing land: “The appeal site is not required at this stage to meet an immediate need for housing land in the area.
“I also note that the two housing sites are included in the newly adopted plan do not involve AWI land.”
A CNPA spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the decision reinforces both the planning committee’s decision, and that it is consistent with the recently adopted Local Development Plan that removes the site as a housing allocation on the basis of its ancient woodland classification and wider natural heritage value.”
Roy Turnbull, spokesperson for the Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group said: "We are delighted that the Scottish Government Reporter upheld the decision of the Cairngorms National Park Authority board that protects this valuable site for wildlife and amenity from housing development.
"Many people and organisations have raised serious concerns over proposals to build in School Wood over the years, and it is very good news that this threat is now finally lifted."
Referring to the new Local Development Plan 2020, he added: "We also warmly welcome the ‘strong presumption’ against removal of ancient semi-natural woodland, such as School Wood, in the new plan."
Woodland Trust Scotland spokesperson George Anderson, said they were 'absolutely delighted' at the news of the Scottish Government Reporter's decision.
He said he believes that it was the developer's 'last throw of the dice for development on the site'.
A CNPA spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the decision reinforces both the Planning Committee’s decision on the planning application and that it is consistent with the recently adopted Local Development Plan that removes the site as a housing allocation on the basis of its ancient woodland classification and wider natural heritage value.”
Moving for refusal during the lengthy debate at the original planning meeting, Dr Fiona McLean had said: “There is a stark statement from our own ecology officer in the report which states that the loss of ancient woodland is considered irreplaceable and therefore compensation for this loss is not possible.
"This is fundamental and this is a national park and when presented with such a statement we must take heed.”
Fellow CNPA member John Kirk had argued most of the site comprised young woodland and had been harvested in the past: “In the 1960s it was moorland – the sawmill and the prisoner of war camp were there.”
He also said there was a pressing need for homes in the village for young people.
CNPA planners will provide an update to planning committee members on the ruling at their virtual meeting this afternoon.
