Proposals for terrace with quite the view at Cairngorm Mountain
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Plans have been lodged to create a path and extend the outdoors terrace at Cairngorm Mountain’s Ptarmigan building.
The operator has stressed that the changes would not breach the closed system which is in place at the building outwith winter to safeguard the nearby environmentally protected parts of the plateau.
The restriction prevents visitors from wandering outside of the top station but has been a constant source of controversy.
Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd has said the proposal will allow visitors to dwell and enjoy the spectacular view in the better weather.
The company states in the submission to Highland Council’s planning service: “This planning application is to improve the guest experience at the funicular top station by improving circulation using a new path to access the exhibition level from the existing terrace.
“Increasing the size of terrace by adding a level area between the two existing fire exits on the north side of the building, allows an external seating area to be created.
“This will allow visitors to dwell longer outside and take in the spectacular views.”
CMSL has also said the removal of ground material in the vicinity will ‘allow snow clearing efficiencies to be made in the winter operation’.
The excavated material is intended to be used to face off the concrete drive station at the base of the Ptarmigan tow improving the appearance with a vegetated slope.
CMSL said this will also remove a summer working at height risk for servicing the ski lift. The operator adds: “The terrace extension and path will complement the investment in the upgrade of the internal spaces within the building undertaken for the reopening of the funicular railway.”
They point out the works will be within the footprint of the original building construction and the footpath link will not be used in bad weather or winter
They also maintain: “Current arrangements to the Cairngorm Visitor Management Plan would be unaffected by this proposal as guests accessing the existing terrace would be contained in the new spaces by handrail barrier provision – as is currently stopping guests leaving the terrace.”
More details on the bid can be found at Highland Council’s e-planning portal.
