New community ‘could impact access rights’

Proposals for a new community in the Highlands could have a “serious impact” on the access rights of walkers and cyclists in the Cairngorms National Park, campaigners have warned.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has been urged not to give a final seal of approval on Friday for the controversial An Camas Mor development near Aviemore until a full public consultation is carried out.

Ramblers Scotland said proposed measures to mitigate the impact of the 1,500-home scheme on the area’s natural heritage, including important capercaillie habitats, could result in restrictions on walkers, cyclists and others throughout the park.

A newly-published “habitat regulations appraisal” carried out by CNPA suggests measures such as blocking informal parking, removing informal walking or biking routes and the deliberate re-vegetation of some paths, including in areas such as Glenmore, Garten Woods and Inshriach that are some distance from the proposed new town.

An Camas Mor was granted planning permission in principle in 2014 but developers now want to change a planning condition that restricted the development to 630 new homes until a review of its impact on the landscape and ecology could be carried out.