Outdoor dining, parking and picnic tables at Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore

“Committee report Development proposed: Installation of raised decking for outdoor eating / drinking; provision of 10 car parking spaces; and provision of picnic tables at Old Bridge Inn, 23 Dalfaber Road, Aviemore, PH22 1PU”

“Reference: 2026/0104/DET Applicant: [the applicant] called-in: March 2026 Recommendation: Approve subject to conditions Case officer: Katie Crerar, Planning Officer…”

“Site description, proposal and history Site description 1. The development site comprises a small area of cleared ground located between Dalfaber Road (adjacent to the Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore) and the River Spey.”

“The site was granted temporary consent (for two years) in March 2024 for use as a beer garden which also provided access to the River Spey, however this temporary permission has recently lapsed. Prior to this, it was used informally as a car park and picnic area, and the south east corner of the site is used as a launch point for people and groups using the River Spey for canoeing, kayaking and other uses.”

“Principle of development 32. This proposal relates to the operation of a small established business, and there is limited reference to this in NPF4. NPF4 Policy 26: Business and industry, part c) states that development proposals for business and industry uses will be supported where they are compatible with the primary business function of the area.”

“Due to the existing established operation which already has both inside and outside catering / seating, this proposal will not introduce a new or incompatible use. The area is already a popular location for visitors and residents visiting the Old Bridge Inn and staying in the nearby accommodation as well as canoeists / river users using the Spey Access Point.”

“The Highland Council’s Flood Risk Management Team do not object to the application. They note that the site has been used over time as a carpark, picnic area and most recently a beer garden which is ancillary to the existing Old Bridge Inn. The raised decking is an open structure and does not propose any changes to ground levels. It will not impede the flow of floodwater or affect floodplain capacity.”

“The Officer also notes that compensatory planting of six broadleaf trees is proposed for the loss of the three mature trees and additional tree planting is proposed for biodiversity enhancement. An updated Landscaping Plan is recommended (preferably combined with a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan) detailing the location and specification of the proposed native broadleaf tree planting and the placement of the other biodiversity enhancement features.”

“Representations 29. No representations have been received.”

“Bill Lobban proposed an amendment to refuse the application as it was contrary to Policy 8.3, criteria b, c and d, of the Local Development Plan due to its adverse impact on the existing use and function of the site. Furthermore, the proposal would compromise established public access to the River Spey, with no equivalent compensatory provision having been demonstrated.”

“The Committee proceeded to a vote. The results were as follows:”

“ORIGINAL MOTION (Officer’s Recommendation) AMENDMENT ABSTAIN Sandy Bremner √ Jackie Brierton √”

“The Committee approved the application as per the officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions in the report.”