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Claims continue that local residents' views were ignored over major overhaul of Aviemore junction


By Tom Ramage

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A major overhaul of the Dalfaber Drive junction starts tomorrow with warnings of delay.
A major overhaul of the Dalfaber Drive junction starts tomorrow with warnings of delay.

Some local residents are still claiming that their objections and concerns have been ignored as work gets set to start tomorrow for a major upgrade of busy Aviemore junction.

Motorists are being warned of delays for up to 10 weeks at the junction between Dalfaber Drive and Grampian Road at the north end of the village.

The junction connects the main area of housing in the village with the through road.

The revisions will see the use of four way lights control and two bus stops being moved as well as other changes.

Resident Paul Jarvis has accused the council of 'failing to listen' to concerns about the proposals.

He said a Freedom of Information request on the residents’ behalf established that 'all those who responded (to the public consultation) objected to the development in its current form'.

Mr Jarvis said he had spoken with the four Highland councillors in the strath: “Only one is in support of the junction in its current form. The other three have grave reservations.

“Ariane Burgess MSP has also asked Highland Council to consider and question the pollution impact. But the council has refused to comment or speak with residents and does not consider them stakeholders.

"No pollution study has been carried out and, despite all this, the works are due to begin.

“No respect has been shown to any residents, who are the ones that walk, cycle and use this junction on a daily basis. Health, pollution, safety remain high concerns.”

Grampian View residents have also expressed concerns that getting out onto Grampian Road will be unsafe and trickier once the new junction is in place.

But local councillor Bill Lobban, currently campaigning to retain his council seat, told the Strathy: “All four councillors voted for the junction.”

The point was ratified by the council spokesperson who said on Tuesday: "During the developed design stages, the Highland Council and its consultants undertook a range of consultation approaches with key stakeholders and the general public to achieve understanding of public opinion.

"In addition, during May and June 2021 an Online Stakeholder workshop was hosted as well as information released using the following channels; online on the council’s consultation hub, poster distribution on local notice boards and through a local news article.

"The council is not aware of any pollution survey being carried out specifically for this project nor is there any requirement for the council to do so for a junction improvement project such as this.

"The junction improvements are permitted development on the Highland Council road network and are necessary to improve Active Travel opportunities in Aviemore, whilst also improving vehicular access to and from the new hospital site.

"Highland Council Officers have held regular meetings with the elected members who have unanimously supported the designs and the development of the Grampian Road and Dalfaber Drive junction."

Plans unveiled for major redesign of one of Aviemore's busiest road spots


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