Council to forward response to Cairngorm National Park Authority

Following a debate at the Planning, Development, Europe and Tourism Committee, The Highland Council will be forwarding its response to the Cairngorm National Park Authority’s consultation document “Preferred Strategic Direction For Affordable Housing.”

Members were presented with a report detailing a draft response which highlighted a number of concerns and issues particularly surrounding the proposal for greater intervention by the Park Authority in the housing market and the imposition of “residency criteria.”

The Highland Council’s Director of Planning & Development John Rennilson said:  “The consultation paper has significant implications for the Council’s statutory responsibilities as the local Housing and neighbouring Planning Authority and it has created considerable interest and debate.

“We are not in dispute about the broad number of new houses needed within the boundary of the park but we do not agree that all of this housing should be affordable housing ring-fenced for people living or working within the park.  We feel this approach would actually undermine our efforts to meet the housing needs and to fulfil economic prospects and regeneration for the area.  The National Park is not a distinct social and economic unit but is part of the wider community of the Highlands.  Our officers are already in dialogue with staff from the Park about adopting a more flexible approach.”

Before agreeing to sent the formal response Councillors agreed that council officials continuing talks with the Cairngorms National Park to find a way forward to deliver affordable housing without causing disruption to the overall delivery of all housing within the Park.