Artificial ski slope bid looked down on

CAIRNGORM National Park Authority planners are recommending approval for a controversial artificial ski slope at CairnGorm Mountain despite growing protests that it will damage the environment and become a white elephant.

CNPA's planning committee members will consider Cairngorm Mountain Ltd's application for the two slopes – one for beginners and the other for intermediate skiers – by Coire Cas car park when they meet tomorrow at Boat of Garten Community Hall.

CNPA planning officer Katherine Donnachie said in her report: "The layout and design is considered to be satisfactory, with significant mitigation for impacts proposed by way of montane planning and careful future monitoring and maintenance of the proposed new ski slopes.

"The development is also capable of being satisfactorily serviced and accessed subject to planning conditions as requested by consultees."

But fierce opposition continues from objectors including Aviemore Business Association, the Cairngorms Campaign and Aviemore Community Council.

ABA secretary Alan Brattey said: "We recognise the vital importance of the hill business to the Strathspey winter economy and the imperative for committing large sums of capital to rebuild the infrastructure.

"The present situation on the hill makes it crystal clear that the priority is to construction uplift that will allow the business to operate fully at any time when the dysfunctional funicular is out of service.

"An artificial slope will do nothing to alleviate reliance on the funicular and we fully expect HIE to do the right thing here and cancel the proposed loan of public money that is to be used for this project. If they do not have the sense to do that then we call on the Scottish Government to step in, sack the HIE board of directors and take full control themselves."

An online Facebook poll was set up by Save the Ciste campaigners on Sunday evening and as the Strathy went to press there had been 951 votes with 80 per cent against the development. It asked: "The Cairngorm Mountain dry slope application will be determined by the CNPA this Friday. Are you in Favour: Yes or No?"

Mr Brattey said: "That's a very decisive majority who do not want an artificial slope on CairnGorm Mountain. The public voice has been heard and must not be ignored."

There are 32 responses in support and 22 objecting to the proposal.

Ms Donnachie said: "Three of the supporting letters have not detailed reasons for support; 12 further representations were received outwith the time period but did not raise new material issues."

The novice slope will be 30m long by 60m wide and the other slope 90m long by 20m wide, both in mid green. Magic carpets will be used for uplift.