Timeline
Earliest home completions are currently predicted from 2024. When first adopted into the Local Plan it was scheduled to be developed from 2010 with a recommendation that trees should be planted on the site to provide shelter and screening for a new sustainable community. Most of the land was planted by 2000.
About Now: Spring 2022
The Cairngorms National Park Authority issued the updated Planning Permission in Principle in April 2019 – it was applied for in February 2017, approved with conditions in August 2017, issued in April 2019 and is valid until April 2022.
The Scottish Government (SG) offered a grant and loan in 2015 to help fund external roads, paths, bridges and wastewater connections.
We sought confirmation of that in January 2021. SG confirmed on 8 April 2021 that Ministers remain supportive of schemes that deliver more homes, create sustainable communities and support investment in Scotland: SG indicated that, due to the passage of time and the setting up of the Scottish National Investment Bank (The Bank) we should update the business plan and apply to them for the loan.
On 15 June 2021 we replied agreeing that SG should make the introduction to The Bank. We have also asked them to confirm how their authorities and agencies would coordinate with the development team. We look forward to clarification of the necessary coordination when the time is right.
From summer 2021 the need for homes for people working in local jobs in Aviemore and Vicinity became a crisis and local bodies made representations to the authorities for action. As a result there are two initiatives led by the Cairngorms Business Partnership. The first can be seen at HHA Homes (hhainverness.com), only four in the first batch but this is just the start so if it interests you please encourage your employer to sign up they can find details HERE . In addition the Communities Housing Trust, commissioned by the Cairngorms Business Partnership has carried out a survey and is preparing plans for homes with the “rural burden”, both for sale and to let. Enquiries can be made at https://www.chtrust.co.uk/contact.html
Whilst in relation to previous public plans and expectations this is a long delay for An Camas Mòr; we should remember that back in 1997 the Structure Plan expected it to be delivered from 2005 and the current 2020-2025 Local Development Plan expects first 90 home completions by the end of 2024.
Local Voices
Hurry up!
It has been a long wait, but the possibility of a carefully planned new community in the Cairngorms is very exciting!
Get a move on.
I’m so delighted this project is finally happening. It would be a dream come true.
The fourth aim of the National Park calls for sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities. To achieve that it is, of course, essential that we see the building of new housing necessary to provide homes for those who want, not only to work here but to build their lives here, bring up their families here, care for the Park and make this their home. For all of them, we wish to see An Camas Mòr proceed.
History: 1989 - 2017
2017: August, Planning Permission in Principle approved with conditions.
2017: February, updated Planning Permission in Principle applied for.
2015: December, Ministers offer finance and funding for external infrastructure in principle.
2014: March, Planning Permission in Principle issued.
2010: June, Planning Permission in Principle first approved by Committee.
2009: May, submission of the planning application.
2009: Fourth public consultation on the plans.
2008: Third public meeting to comment on the latest Proposed Land Use Plan.
2008: Stakeholders workshops to discuss landscape, affordable housing, transport, sustainability, streets, public realm. A presentation was also made to ‘Architecture + Design Scotland’, who were supportive.
2006: Second public meeting where the Gehl principles and methodology of studying Life, then Spaces and then Buildings were agreed with the local community.
2005: First public meeting led by the Community Council to note the vision and consider the studies and principles for An Camas Mòr.
2004: Publication of survey report, feasibility study and technical effectiveness study by An Camas Mòr team. Local Plan public consultation meetings held by the Community Council in November confirm the need for An Camas Mòr.
1999: Cambusmore Action Group sets out the scope for survey and assessment work required to take An Camas Mòr forward.
1997: Landscape tree-planting for shelter and screening as recommended by the reporter.
1996: Adoption of Badenoch and Strathspey Local Plan after Public Inquiry set the design parameters for An Camas Mòr, to be developed from 2010.
1989: Preliminary consultation on the Badenoch and Strathspey Local Plan – Aviemore & Vicinity Community Council first identified the concept of a planned new community across the Spey to manage Aviemore’s continuing growth as a more sustainable solution than continuing northward expansion.