Pub beer garden by the Spey in Aviemore being recommended for approval
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Retrospective planning permission is being recommended for a beer garden on the banks of the River Spey in Aviemore despite concerns about parking and access for canoeists.
Cairngorms National Park Authority planners are confident that the seasonal addition over the road from the Old Bridge Inn will not cause any additional problems.
They point out that the site has already been used in such a way for a long time, however, there have been objections including from Aviemore Community Council and the Spey Fishery Board.
Concerns expressed include:
• the impact the proposal is and will have on people using the River Spey access point which is important for paddle sport and river users as well as being a core path.
Most are concerned that the use of the space as a beer garden will make it increasingly difficult to access the river with canoes.
• Nearly all respondents raised the issue of traffic and parking, and that the proposal will increase traffic and congestion outwith the site and particularly along Dalfaber Road.
Two respondents, whilst not objecting to the proposal, highlighted car access along the street can be difficult especially during busy times. They suggested improvements for managing traffic including putting yellow lines on the road to prevent parking and increasing the width of the pavement.
• Flooding – it was raised that garden furniture from the site could be carried downstream.
But park authority planners believe that there is adequate access and parking provision for the beer garden to be approved by the planning committee when members meet tomorrow in Grantown.
CNPA planning officer Katie Crerar states in her report: “This planning application seeks partly retrospective permission to create a seasonal beer garden on a site that has already been used as a car park and picnic area for a number of years.
“The proposal will not introduce any permanent structures on the site and is ancillary to the use of the Old Bridge Inn.
“Whilst a number of concerns have been raised about access, these have been satisfactorily addressed in the access statement which will ensure that access is maintained and managed on the site at all times.
“Overall, the use as a seasonal beer garden will not result in any adverse environmental or amenity impacts.”
The seasonal beer garden plans include the erection of a 10.5m by 6m grey coloured stretch tent which will house a timber bar. There will also be picnic benches distributed around the site.
Ms Crerar states the site has been used in this way for over the last year or so, and this planning application seeks to formalise the use.
The site provides access to a popular launch point on the Spey.
The operators of the Old Bridge Inn have confirmed that unrestricted pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
In addition, there will be an unmarked vehicular drop off and loading bay provided for both river users and customers to support continued access to the river and this corridor will remain unobstructed by picnic benches at all times.
There is no parking proposed on the site when the beer garden is in use.
The Old Bridge Inn will maintain its car park to the north west of the site and during the winter months when the beer garden is not in operation, the site will be used for car parking.
An outdoor shelter for the Old Bridge Inn by the beer garden site was granted planning consent in February 2021 to help with trading during the Covid pandemic and remains in use.
Experts said there is no likely significant effect on protected species of Atlantic salmon and sea lamprey as no excavation or other construction work is proposed that could lead to the creation of silt or sediment in the river.
Otters are thought to use the area but are said to be used to noise and light at the spot and planners were advised the proposal will not lead to any significant change in their behaviour. There were a total of eight representations including five objections.
River Spey access point cost £24,000 to create
Aviemore Community Council and the Spey Fishery Board are amongst the objectors.
The watchdog flagged up that works were undertaken in 2019 to improve the Spey access point and that additional picnic benches have impaired access.
They believe the formal change of use will further hinder essential access and want to see clear plans showing how access for river goers and emergency services will be maintained.
They do not object to the concept of a beer garden but hope that it can co-exist with safe access.
They also expressed concerns over the reduction of car parking which the watchdog said was already a big issue on Dalfaber Road.
A fishery board spokesperson submitted: “The Spey Catchment Initiative undertook £24,000 worth of improvement works to the amenity area and boat launch site at this location in 2019 to improve access for river users, halt worsening bank erosion and improve landscape and wildlife value.
“The increasing use of the area as a beer garden and especially the encroachment of temporary structures, tables, benches, etc is negatively affecting these objectives especially by impairing access for launching boats.”
They do not object to the higher areas to the sides of the site being used as a beer garden as long as other users’ needs are considered.
The full planning report can be read by clicking here.
