Residents are being invited to submit their views on the next Local Development Plan (LDP) for the Cairngorms National Park.

A 15-week consultation has been launched on the Main Issues Report, which sets out the Park Authority's ideas for how things should look in the future.

While many sites and policies int eh current Plan are expected to be carried forward, some significant changes are also being proposed.

Several key questions for residents include;

• How and where should development happen in future?

• How can we capitalise on road and rail improvements?

• How many new homes do we need and where should they go?

• How do we protect the Park's unique environment alongside development?


• How do we provide essential facilities alongside development?

• How do we protect and prepare for future events?

Gavin Miles, Head of Planning and Communities at the CNPA, said: "The Local Development Plan has to be updated every five years to ensure that it's fit for purpose. We want to know why, how or where your community should change – or indeed, stay the same. We are asking how you would like your community and the wider Cairngorms National Park to look in the future. Do you think we need more affordable housing in a particular area? What areas need protection? Does your community need suitable premises for business start-ups? If so – you must tell us.

"Probably one of the biggest changes is to our affordable housing policy where we are proposing to increase the number of affordable homes in developments from 25 per cent to up to 45 per cent in areas where there is greatest need. This flexible approach should help deliver affordable housing where it is needed the most."

Following the Main Issues Report consultation, the views gathered will help inform the preparation of the Proposed Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2020. It is expected that this will be published for public comment in September 2018.

The consultation will close on Friday, 02 March 2018.

(LM/MH)