9km segregated path at Land Between Aviemore And Carrbridge PH22 And

What was proposed

A predominantly segregated, three-metre-wide route would run about nine kilometres between Aviemore and Carrbridge, with crossings and links to existing paths.

“The proposed development constitutes a largely segregated non-motorised user (NMU) active travel route, approximately 9km long, running between Aviemore in the south and Carrbridge in the north, as shown on the location plans in Appendix 1a. The route broadly follows the existing road corridors of the B9152, A95 and B9153 to provide a relatively direct NMU link between the two settlements.”

“The route will be predominantly 3 metres wide and will include sections of upgrades to existing paths as well as newly built sections. A sealed bituminous material will be used for surfacing with an aggregate sub-base.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The route would pass through rural and settled areas, alongside roads and railway land, and near woodland, farmland, homes, utilities and protected sites.

“Site description, proposal and history Site description 1. The application site runs in a north south orientation from Carrbridge to Aviemore. At the southern end of the proposal site the route starts at Dougal Drive, Aviemore and at its northern end the route terminates at the southern extents of Carrbridge. Outwith Aviemore and Carrbridge the application site is predominantly rural in character with scattered settlements and built form present.”

“The application site interacts with a variety of existing land uses including, but not limited to, existing public footpaths, trunk road(s) and verges, farmland, woodland including ancient woodland and veteran trees, sporting estates, the Highland Main Line railway, private residences, commercial properties, access routes and utilities.”

Officer report

Planning history

Parts of the site have been subject to earlier applications, but those proposals concerned different development and were not directly relevant.

“History 13. The development site extends across a substantial area between Aviemore and Carrbridge and parts of the site have been subject to various planning applications in the past. However, these applications relate to different types of development and are not directly relevant to the proposed NMU route or material to the assessment of this application.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the route’s safety, health, active travel, access and sustainability benefits sufficient to justify woodland loss, with mitigation and compensatory planting secured by conditions.

“Conclusion 112. The proposed development of a 9km long segregated NMU route at land between Aviemore and Carrbridge is acceptable in principle given the health and wellbeing, safety and wider sustainability benefits associated with the introduction of a direct route between the communities. The segregated NMU route would improve access, extend the existing active travel network and encourage sustainable modes of transport.”

“Whilst the proposal will result in the removal of woodland including ancient semi- natural woodland, which is not supported by NPF4 Policy 6 or LDP Policy 4, the Applicant has sought to minimise the extent of woodland loss and the proposal will deliver clearly defined public benefits. These benefits are considered sufficient to justify the woodland loss anticipated.”

Officer report

What people said

Five letters supported the sustainable transport and safety benefits, while one response gave guidance on making the route accessible to horse riders.

“Representations 52. Six letters of representation have been received consisting of five letters of support and one general response, as contained within Appendix 4a and Appendix 4b. RSPB also explained that they would not have time to review the application in full but wished to highlight the potential presence of Slavonian grebe, a schedule 1 species, in proximity to the development site.”

“The five letters of support highlight the sustainable transport credentials and health and safety benefits of the proposed development in providing an alternative to journeys by car for both locals and visitors to the Park, and potential secondary economic benefits for local communities. They also highlight the desire for the scheme to be consented and constructed as quickly as possible.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and two agents addressed the committee, explaining delivery, compensatory planting, biodiversity measures, soil reuse, phasing and the reduced route width.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions in the officer’s report.

“The Committee approved the application subject to the conditions stated in the officer's report.”

Minutes