Plans for mountain biking at Cairngorm Mountain recommended for approval
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Plans to create mountain bike trails at Cairngorm Mountain are being recommended for approval as the resort looks to combat the impact of global warming.
The operators hope that the network of trails and uplift could attract over 10,000 new customers in the first year, rising to nearly 14,000 by the third year.
Members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee will consider the bid tomorrow by Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited for the site on the north-western slope of Coire Cas and to the south and south-eastern area by the Day Lodge.
The application has received support from Aviemore Community Council although it has said that care must be taken to ensure that there is no overspill of the new development beyond the Mid Station area.
Planning permission is being sought for three interlinked mountain bike trails together with two conveyor belts linking in of 93 metres and 96 metres in the beginners area to provide uplift for visitors.
The trails will target the family market and be geared towards learners and intermediate riders.
Three linked mountain biking areas are proposed – the Learner Zone Trail covering just over a hectare, Mid Mountain (0.43 hectares) and Upper Zone.
The application lists seven trails with the longest being 694 metres.
Two letters of objection were received – from the Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group and Dr Gordon Bulloch.
Concerns included lack of information; fears the proposal could lead to further expansion and 'even more impacts' and the mountain being 'inappropriate for target user due to the weather'.
More on this story in today's Strathy – now on sale.
