Meetings to take place on future of Cairngorms National park next week

ANYONE in Badenoch and Strathspey wanting to know more about plans for the future of the Cairngorms National Park is urged to go along to an information event taking place in their area next week.

The sessions will provide details of what the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is proposing, covering the draft National Park Plan 2012-2017 and the Local Development Plan Main Issues Report.

These important publications will set out how the National Park will be taken forward in the future – not just in terms of the improved habitats, better conservation or growing the economy but also where houses can be built, infrastructure and support for communities.

The Cairngorms National Park Plan 2012-2017 will be the blueprint for how the park is managed and the Cairngorms Local Development Plan Main Issues Report will determine what kinds of development can take place and where.

Some of the ideas the park authority are looking for views on include:

* increasing and improving the woodlands and wetlands of the park;

* helping communities adapt to a low carbon economy;

* getting more people involved through volunteering;

* improving species and habitat conservation.

The public’s views will help shape what should be a priority in the Park and how it’s managed as well as policies on future development, everyone is welcome.

Each event runs from 7pm – 9.15pm and there’s no need to book.

The events will take place on:

Mon 24th Oct 2011 Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore Aviemore

Tue 25th Oct 2011 Boat of Garten Village Hall Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Nethy Bridge

Thurs 27th Oct 2011 Talla nan Ros, Kingussie Kingussie, Kincraig

The public consultations on the draft National Park Plan 2012-2017 and the Main Issues Report for the Local Development Plan began on September 19 and run until Friday December 9. For the first time, it’s possible to respond online at www.cairngorms.co.uk.

The final versions of the consultations are due to be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval in the middle of next year.

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