Plans to construct a new 1,500-home village in Cairngorms National Park has reached a significant milestone.

Springfield Properties, which is based in Elgin, has now received planning permission in principle from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

The An Camas Mòr will be a new sustainable community near Aviemore. In addition to the 1,500 homes that could eventually be built on the site, there would also be community facilities, a park and contributions for healthcare to name but a few.

At this stage of the process, the developer has agreed on how many low-cost homes and amenities will be constructed on the site. Springfield Properties will now submit a detailed masterplan to the park authority for the ambitious village.


Eleanor Mackintosh, Convenor of the CNPA's Planning Committee, said: "We are delighted to see the legal framework on planning permission in principle now agreed for An Camas Mòr and hope the developers will submit their detailed masterplan soon.

"The concept of An Camas Mòr is about creating a new sustainable community within the Cairngorms National Park over the next 20-30 years with homes, community facilities and work places all reflecting this special location."

Duncan Bryden, Convener of the CNPA, added: "The phasing of the An Camas Mòr project will let the community grow sustainably over time. By planning positively and carefully managing the footprint of the settlement, the aim is to create a really special place and ease the pressure for development in Aviemore and other villages in Badenoch and Strathspey.

"There is lots of work still needed to make An Camas Mòr a reality and we look forward to receiving the masterplan in due course for consideration."

The plans have not been welcomed by everyone, however, with the Cairngorms Campaign conservation group opposing the proposals. In the courts, they were unsuccessful in their challenge of the construction of the village as well as three other developments planned for the park.

(JP/IT)