AN application for a huge new motorhome and caravan site in the Highlands has been approved – despite objections from furious locals.
Proposals were lodged with the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee for the facility at Dalwhinnie.
The grounds will comprise a 38-bay touring caravan/motorhome site, ten overnight parking spaces on the south-western part of the site and recycling and waste management facilities.
Planners gave the proposals the green light despite a number of objections over noise pollution, wildfire risk and loss of woodland.
One member of the public said: “I picture this development having noisy and rowdy holidaymakers, and the staff struggling to keep all the people in these caravans from staying in the fenced compound.
“Otherwise the inevitable noise, trampling footfall, litter and fire risks are going to swamp the area and ruin the village for everyone who stays there.”
Another wrote: “I find it disheartening that a developer wishes to
build such a site which will destroy the beauty and tranquility of the village and also the natural habitat of so many species of animals.
“I would also be extremely concerned at the light pollution that this development will inevitably bring with additional street lighting, lighting from the caravans and vehicles.
“Dalwhinnie, and in particular the location of this proposed development, is a fantastic location for star gazing because of its naturally dark skies. This development will ruin the possibilities in
watching the skies in an unpolluted light.”
But Dalwhinnie businessman Connor Fraser says the site will be a “huge boost” for the area, reports The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald.
He said: “It’s been a long haul but it’s been worth it and it will be a huge boost to Dalwhinnie, where quite frankly not much has happened in a long time.”
Planning Committee Convener, Councillor Chris Beattie said: “The new motorhome and caravan site at Dalwhinnie will support visitor infrastructure and the local economy in the south of the National Park by offering more accommodation options for visitors and creating local employment opportunities.
“The on-site recycling and waste management facilities will provide a useful offering for visitors, particularly those coming to the area by motorhome.”
The Highland Council was approached for comment.