Upland Developments unveil big plans for Grampian Road site in Aviemore
AN Aviemore development company has unveiled its vision for a prominent site in the centre of the village.
Upland Developments Ltd posted an impression on Monday of how a proposed hotel, retail and homes at Sunnylea could look once completed at the location.
As yet no formal planning application has been lodged by the firm owned by local businessman David Cameron.
However, an earlier submission which accidentally entered the planning system only to be withdrawn a short time later was for planning permission in principle for the erection of the hotel, 24 flats, shops and underground parking.
No planning application has been submitted since to Highland Council in connection with the build but plans were lodged last week by the firm for the demolition of properties on the site. The prescribed work is to demolish existing buildings within the identified site area from roof level to ground level, including foundations, and to remove demolition material.
The buildings earmarked for demolition are the traditional villa Laurel Bank and Meall Buidhe as well as the old Scouts hall and sheds also on the site.
Plans to knock down Laurel Bank have caused a backlash on local social media. The Cairngorms National Park Authority has now taken a stance against the properties being removed at least until more information is forthcoming.
In a pre-application consultation response to Highland Council, the CNPA states: “The authority considers that the buildings clearly contribute to the character of this part of Aviemore.
“In the absence of any strong justification as to why these buildings require removal, we do not consider that demolition could be authorised based on the current supporting information with this prior notification application.”
Budget hotel giant Travelodge has been rumoured to be interested in the site as part of plans to expand in Scotland. The chain was contacted by the Strathy but failed to respond yesterday. It has said it plans to open a new £7 million hotel in the village creating 20 jobs.
Mr Cameron declined to comment.
