Plans for up to 180 homes proposed for the centre of Aviemore

Plans for around 180 new homes in the centre of Aviemore have been described as a 'major vote of confidence' in the village by the company leading the development.

Macdonald Resorts Ltd has submitted plans for permission in principle for residential development comprising both private and affordable housing, staff accommodation and associated infrastructure on its land in Aviemore.

Aviemore Resort chief executive Natalya Macholla said: “We’re looking forward to progressing this proposal through the planning process with the Cairngorm National Park Planning Authority.

"We are keen to ensure the best outcome for our planning application in principle for new housing consisting of the right mix and which best supports the needs of our local community and the Highlands economy.

“The proposed new plans represent a major vote of confidence in Aviemore from the Macdonald Hotels Group which is the largest private investor and the biggest private sector employer in the area, and will build upon ongoing investment and delivery of the aspirations of the adopted Masterplan for the resort.

“Not only do we envisage very significant local employment during construction phases but the homes themselves will also provide much-needed accommodation for local people and vital workers.

“The area in question is largely unused resort land and part of a wider masterplan approved several years ago now which lies empty for most of the year and is predominantly hard-standing with very little environmental or aesthetic value."

Ms Macholla continued: “We have committed to incorporate the very highest standards of environmental planning, with a significant degree of trees, shrubs and amenity areas to be delivered.

"In addition, it goes without saying that the plans will embrace the latest environmental technologies including air-source heat pumps, hybrid heating systems, and photovoltaic cells, as well as extensive electric vehicle charging opportunities throughout.”

Inverness-based GH Johnston Planning and Design is the agent for the application on land southeast of the Scandinavian Village which is used an overspill car park and is the venue for the Thunder in the Glens Harley Davidson rally.

The planning agent states in the design report: "The site is well related to the settlement and the proposed development will integrate well with the established settlement pattern, including recently constructed retail and housing developments and the centre of the village.

"The site is read as a logical extension of the built-up area, effectively rounding off development and infilling this part of Aviemore...

"This proposal will provide a wide range of house types including private and affordable housing and staff accommodation such as flats, apartments, smaller houses to medium and larger homes."

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The indicative site layout shows approximately 180 homes, areas of open space, landscaping and roads.

Properties would broadly comprise of two storeys, two, three and four-bedroom houses, and two and three or four storey one and two bed flats.

The part of the site immediately south of the Scandinavian Village would be used to provide on-site staff accommodation 'to try to address chronic local shortages'.

'Rejuvenating the resort'

The proposed residential development is for PPIP (planning permission in priniciple) only but indicatively would be for up to 180 homes across the site area.

There are no detailed site layouts or house type designs – these would be provided at a further stage in the event that permission was granted.

The planning agents state: "The proposals are an integral part of the wider redevelopment of the resort, which would create a significant opportunity to modernise and rejuvenate the resort, while enhancing Aviemore overall.

"It being in the midst of Aviemore, it would be beneficial to the centre of the village bringing more vitality and vibrancy (and) not just to the resort itself."

The application has been called in by the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee for determination.

The proposals can be found by clicking here.

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