Plans for 40 homes lined up for Kincraig
Plans have been submitted for 40 new homes at the northern end of Kincraig.
The proposed development by Aviemore-based Cairngorm Residential LLP is on a 5.34-hectare site opposite Alvie Primary School and Baldow Smiddy.
The application has been called in by the Cairngorms National Park Authority planners for determination.
Planning agent Colin Armstrong Architects said in the design statement: “The development of the site presents an excellent opportunity for a variety of house types and styles. In addition, the provision of serviced plots is encouraged.”
The planning statement continues: “Opportunities have been identified
within the development brief for a site layout that is accessible, well connected and linked to the existing village.
“There is an existing footpath and cycle way network in the vicinity of the site with through routes and connections to the wider road and path network, including core paths and Safer Routes to Schools.
The site is currently allocated in the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan for residential development of around 40 homes.
It has been used as grazing land since the 19th century according to historical records.
Baldow Smiddy, opposite the site, was established in 1868, but the premises are now used by a vehicle-recovery business.
The developers have said that the affordable element of the housing will be similar in style to the private properties.
The design statement reports: “The affordable provision is treated with similar massing, scale, forms and palette of materials to the private housing.
“Repeated motifs like pitched roofs, regular openings, and elemental expression of massing and materials, help to create a neighbourhood that is unified and consistent yet has sufficient visual interest to have its own character.”
Significant features on the site include a mixed-species hedge along the B9152 frontage, an existing Knoll with birch trees and a low-lying wetland area.
The site plan has been developed to maintain the long-distance views across the site to the Cairngorms.
The open space planned for the development is proposed to include an equipped play area and a bridge and footpath link to the existing housing at Macbean Road.
It is proposed to enhance the biodiversity of the Knoll area by encouraging natural regeneration of the existing trees and new native species tree and shrub planting, and by increasing wild flowering.