Venue row over homes in wood

A ROW has broken out over the venue chosen by the Cairngorms National Park Authority for a long running controversial planning application for 93 homes in Aviemore.

Members of the CNPA's planning committee are to meet at the Albert Hall in Ballater tomorrow.

They are being recommended to agree the planning conditions which will go a long way to triggering permission for the homes at Dalfaber Woods.

There are 83 homes planned for one site and another 10 serviced plots to the north with four conditions still to be resolved beyond tomorrow including an upgraded level crossing for the steam line.

There is anger from some residents the application by Davall Developments (Aviemore) Ltd is being heard 52 miles away – and a journey of nearly 90 minutes by car. There is no direct public transport link.

Councillor Bill Lobban has called for it to be deferred: "The latest round of the on-going saga with planning at Dalfaber has reached yet another low point with the CNPA holding its planning committee meeting as far away from the people it affects as possible."

The CNPA originally refused an application for 101 house plots in November 2006 but this was granted on appeal for up to 104 homes.