SnowFactory could be on the move at Cairngorm Mountain
The SnowFactory at Cairngorm Mountain could be on the move to a permanent and more effective site, leaving its temporary home of more than five years.
Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited has applied to relocate the existing facility from the Coire Cas car park to 350m south-east of the ranger base station.
Members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee will decided the bid to relocate the factory – comprising two shipping containers which house the snow-making machine – when they meet in Grantown tomorrow.
CMSL's planning application also includes the construction of an access haul road and opening of a borrow pit.
If approved, The SnowFactory will be sited on a new reinforced, concrete plinth, measuring 15 metres by five metres located on the north-western slope of Coire Cas and by the Day Lodge.
Explaining the background to the application, CNPA planning officer Stephanie Wade states: "Since November 2017, a SnowFactory has been located within the car park area at Coire Cas in response to the unreliability of snowfall within the skiing season.
"The original location was chosen for the temporary unit as it offered the most accessible and suitable location for a temporary unit which would test the effectiveness of generating snow.
"This was permitted as a temporary consent, which has subsequently been renewed through a series of additional applications and has also been expanded to double the snow-making capacity in 2018.
"Following these temporary permissions, the applicant now looks to relocate the structure from its temporary siting to a more effective, permanent location.
"The site is within the established ski centre, where the principle of recreational development is well established...
"The permanent SnowFactory site proposed has been located to offer the best access to the ski area between the mid station and Day Lodge, an area that suffers from poor snow coverage due to adverse wind conditions and warmer temperatures.
"The permanent facility will continue to provide improved facilities for skiers."
The application site lies within the Cairngorms National Scenic Area but is not covered by any other specific environmental designations.
The haul road will have a width of 4.5 metres and will be constructed using cut and fill over a length of 311 metres.
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Once the relocation works are completed, it's width will be reduced to 2.5 metres wide.
A shed is also proposed to be used for the storage of tools and maintenance equipment and to house 2000 litre holding tank.
The SnowFactory creates snow by abstracting water which is then cooled to freezing point within the container.
A new permanent water abstraction intake and water supply pipework would be required to be installed 275m up the slope.
The Cairngorm National Park Authority’s landscape officer has confirmed that the SnowFactory has become a familiar feature at the ski centre.
Ms Wade states: “The officer considers the proposal will not enhance the landscape character of the area, however, its function is appropriate to the location generally and this will encourage acceptance on the part of many skiers using the slopes here.
“There will be a moderately significant adverse effect from the immediate vicinity of the factory during the snow free part of the year.”
No letters of public representation were received within the public consultation period.
A series of planning condition are recommended if the application is approved including ensuring the removal of structures and reinstatement of land should the SnowFactory cease to operate.
