Plans for major housing development in Aviemore recommended for approval
Planning permission in principle is being recommended for approval for a major housing proposal on one of the last remaining large sites left for development in Aviemore.
Macdonald Resorts Ltd is behind plans for the new homes on its land currently hard-standing for exhibitions and car parking but which lies vacant for most of the year.
The site near the village centre is used as the base camp for the Thunder in the Glens Harley Davidson rally held at the end of August each year.
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Gavin Miles, the Cairngorms National Park Authority's head of strategic planning, states in his recommendation for approval: "This application seeks planning permission in principle for the construction of a residential development.
"The design statement states that the dwellings would include a mix of private/affordable and staff accommodation units with associated infrastructure and landscaping.
"The proposed residential development will be located on one of the flatter areas of the resort site to avoid raised landforms.
"There are a total of 180 residential units proposed, which will be of a contemporary design and a medium density.
"There will be a wide range of accommodation types including two storey units with two-four bedrooms, and flatted units with one-two bedrooms.
"The housing mix would also include a range of detached and semi-detached units.
"The proposed staff accommodation will be located in the area south of the Scandinavian Village.
"Affordable housing will be provided on site and will be aimed at mid-market affordable rent delivery.
"The proposals also include feature walls, open green space and appropriate landscaping."
Members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee will consider the application at their next meeting on Friday (November 10) at their Grantown headquarters.
The topography of the site is mainly flat, with bunds of grassland.
There are some clusters of native and coniferous trees, and the whole site is covered by a Tree Preservation Order.
Most of the site consists of intermittently used hard-standing and car parking surrounded by local access roads to the resort.
Aviemore Community Council has objected to the proposed development citing that the proposed staff accommodation is being included in the number of allocated affordable units.
The watchdog has said there should be a higher proportion of affordable housing in the development.
There have been six letters of objection with concerns including:
• the proposed development site is at risk from flooding.
• The proposed three storey dwellings will have an adverse impact on the residential amenity of the residents of the Scandinavian Village.
• The proposed development may have an impact on roads safety and congestion.
• There will be an impact on the Aviemore Orbital Path.
Recommending approval, Mr Miles states: "The proposed development sits on part of a site that is allocated for mixed uses including residential accommodation so the principle of development is easily established.
"There are no issues raised through the application that could not be addressed through applications for the detail of development that can be secured by condition and the development has potential to make a positive contribution to the economy of Aviemore and quality of life of people living, working and visiting Aviemore so is recommended for approval subject to conditions."
Number of proposed houses is still up in the air
In relation to the total number of housing units that could be built on the site, the applicant has provided information to support a figure of 180 units as an indication of the site capacity.
This figure is not part of the description of the development and the application does not seek to set a specific number of units which could be fewer or greater than 180 depending on the size of units and form of development.
Both Transport Scotland and the Highland Council transport planning team require that a condition is imposed limiting the number of units to 180 unless they are consulted and agree to a greater number.
This is on the basis of the transport impact assessment provided and the modelling within it based on 180 units.
What is an application for planning permission in principle?
This PPP application seeks to establish only whether the principle of the proposed residential development is acceptable on the Macdonald Aviemore Resort site.
If the principle of development is considered acceptable, the detail of the development approved in principle will be established and consent through further application to address matters specified in conditions that must be submitted and approved within statutory time limits.
Those applications would be called in and determined by the CNPA planning committee acting as planning authority.
