HILLTRACKS UPDATE

George Allan

The Planning Bill

Andy Wightman (MSP), with support from LINK, lodged an amendment at Stage 2 of the Bill which would have required vehicle tracks in the landscapes which are of greatest concern to have full planning consent. This amendment was not accepted although it has significant support amongst MSPs. The SNP remains opposed. Andy Wightman intends to lodge a similar amendment at Stage 3 which may not start until May. If this fails, LINK will continue to press for change during the Scottish Government's impending review of permitted development rights.

What off track vehicle use does in the Park

Hydro tracks

The environmental organisations came late to the party, only realizing how visually detrimental the tracks to many schemes are once these were completed, often being over-engineered and poorly restored. NEMT's position has been to focus on the tracks rather than objecting to schemes as such; we consider this to be a balanced approach. We have had some success in this regard.

While the three schemes on the east side of Glen Etive (described in Mountain Views 78) and on the northern flank of Ben More (Crianlarich), which NEMT also objected too, have been approved, the final plans have been changed for the better. The tracks have been reduced to either foot paths or ATV width and the proposed intake above the Robbers' Waterfall on the Allt Mheuran in Glen Etive has been abandoned. These are major improvements but many think that Glen Etive is not a place for any new infrastructure developments and the decisions to approve led to an outcry which persuaded Highland Council to reconsider these three schemes; however, the Council decision remained to approve. A proposal for yet another scheme on the north side of Loch Arkaig (A'Chailleach) has been withdrawn; again NEMT had objected on the basis that the proposed vehicle tracks were either too wide or that path width would have sufficed.

Meeting with the Park

Following the approval of the Balavil track in the Monadliath (see article The Park- too cosy with developers?), representatives of LINK, including an NEMT Trustee, have met with the CEO and the Convenor of the Park along with the Chair of the Planning Committee and a senior planning official. This was a productive meeting where a number of positives were acknowledged. These included good communications between the NGOs and the Park, the seriousness with which the Park is taking the hill tracks issue, more rigorous assessment as to whether Prior Notifications for tracks require full planning consent and increased efficiency regarding enforcement. The following gives a flavour of some of the issues discussed:

• 'Tracks' created by ATVs. LINK is concerned that unless a proactive approach is taken to the problem, the damaged caused will lead to more applications justifying the case for new tracks as the lesser of the evils. LINK would like to see the Park become an exemplar for Scotland by taking a lead on this, along with SNH. The possibility of voluntary agreements and pilots with estates was discussed and the Park said it would ask its Upland Advisory Group to consider the options. NEMT welcomes this. The Park is unconvinced by the desirability of byelaws, which it has the power to propose, on the basis that they would be impossible to enforce.
• The presumption against new tracks in the draft Local Development Plan (LDP). While the LDP reaffirms the presumption against new tracks in open moorland, LINK expressed concern that the description of how the policy would be applied could be read as watering this down. It is hoped that the Park will consider rewording aspects of this.
• Mapping of existing tracks. The Park is about to employ an intern to undertake this; such mapping will produce an essential baseline.
• Facility for the public to report concerns. The Park is working on an online facility to report planning concerns; focussing particularly on tracks

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