Permission granted for new campsite in Tomintoul at site of old mart
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PERMISSION has been granted to build a new camping site in Tomintoul on what was once the village's mart.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has given the go-ahead to create a site for 28 campervans or caravans, with associated infrastructure, on Conglass Lane.
The application to the park authority's planning committee was made by the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust.
Gavin Miles, the park authority's head of strategic planning, said: "The application is being made by the community development trust to create a revenue-raising social enterprise that also attracts more overnight stays in Tomintoul, with a wider economic benefit in terms of customers for other existing or new businesses.
"The proposal is on a site allocated for business use.
"It should prove to be a long-term asset to Tomintoul and the wider area."
The park authority said that it received 14 emails or letters from the public regarding the campsite proposal, plus a "number of other late representations".
It added: "Most raised points of objection or concern, with only one wholeheartedly supporting the application for its potential contribution to the tourism sector and economy."
One of those objections came from the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Bowling Club, which already runs a small camping site with room for five berths.
Amongst the concerns raised were a lack of consultation from the trust about its plans.
Objectors also questioned the effect a new campsite would have on wildlife, the village's power and water supply and its dark skies status.
A report by planning officers to the meeting recommended that the application be granted permission.
It stated: "While it is possible to understand the fears of competition, it is also possible to envisage the two facilities providing different services at different prices that will appeal to different customers.
"A number of representations and later correspondence complained to the CNPA that they had not been sufficiently consulted on the proposals.
"This is entirely a matter for the applicant, though officers understand that the proposal was identified through consultation with the community and has been discussed at a number of public meetings."
The report to the planning committee can be viewed in full HERE
