AN application to build self-catering holiday cottages in a Scottish national park has been rejected by a government official.
Proposals to build seven self-catering cabins, a toilet and shower block, and a manager’s house near Speybridge in the Cairngorms National Park were rejected by the park authority in December 2023.
That decision was appealed by the prospective developers, who took their proposals to the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA).
It was the second time the proposals had been submitted, with a redesign of the manager’s house – from two- to one-storey – among the key changes.
READ MORE: 'Unprecedented' spike in objections to Flamingo Land's Loch Lomond development
In their appeal statement, the family proposing the development – the MacPhersons – said they had “owned the Boat of Balliefurth Croft for over 40 years” and their field was already used as a campsite by groups canoeing along the Spey.
They argued that the development could “breathe new life into the croft” and provide “a sustainable way to keep this piece of land in our family for future generations to enjoy”.
Screenshot of the proposed plans for holiday cabins and a manager's house (Image: DPEA)
However, a final refusal has been issued by the government official after a site visit.
Katrina Rice, a reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers, concluded that a manager’s house on site would not be needed as the campers who have used it each year since 1986 have managed without – and the main house is only 500 metres from the proposed site.
Rice further said that people would be likely to arrive at the developed camping cabins by car, changing the nature of the low-impact canoe camping which currently happens there. The existing access road, a narrow track, was deemed inadequate to handle the expected increase in vehicles.
READ MORE: Green MSP speaks against plans to build Andy Murray legacy tennis centre
She further concluded that the changes in use could have “significant effects” on the breeding capercaillie population in the nearby protected Craigmore Wood, as well as populations of Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, otter, and freshwater pearl mussel in the nearby River Spey Special Area of Conservation.
Rice said that the “proposed development does not accord overall with the relevant provisions of the development plan and that there are no material considerations which would still justify granting planning permission”.
She added: “I have considered all the other matters raised, including the historic and strong connections of the appellants to the local area, the complaints from the neighbouring property about the operation of the existing campsite and the National Park Authority Planning Officer recommendation for approval, but there are none which would lead me to alter my conclusions.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel