Hilltracks Update

George Allan

Review of permitted development

Still no news of when the Scottish Government's review of the law on hill tracks will take place. Other legislative pressures have resulted in this continuing to be kicked down the road.

Track applications

• NEMT objected to track applications on the Balavil estate in the Monadhliath and in the Glen Lethnot area in Angus. These applications were subsequently withdrawn. When applications are withdrawn, it is usual not possible to ascertain whether this is because estates have decided not to proceed or whether they intend to resubmit in an altered form. We remain vigilant to the latter possibility.
• NEMT raised a potential breach of planning action in respect of what appears to be an unauthorised major upgrade of a section of the path running from Letterewe north over the bealach to Fionn Loch. Interestingly, paths do not enjoy permitted development status, unlike vehicle tracks. This upgrade is not a significant issue in itself but it is important to ensure that estates abide by the law. We await the outcome.
• A temporary mast is to be installed on the summit of Morrone as work to undertake a new permanent one has been delayed. The application did not address the implications for the track which accesses the summit from the south. This track, which is well used by walkers traversing the hill, will inevitable be damaged by vehicles bring material to the site. NEMT raised this and it is good to note that Aberdeenshire Council has made conditions regarding remedial work.
• There are increasing numbers of applications for peat restoration. The legal situation regarding tracks related to this is outlined in the last edition of Mountain Views.
• When commenting on track applications, we continue to stress the importance of new and upgraded tracks having a central turf/heather strip as this reduces the visual impact significantly. It's good to note that the Cairngorms National Park is usually making this a condition of consent.

Related planning issues

• An application for chalets to the north west of the Clova hotel has been lodged. NEMT has raised issues regarding the access road and increased screening by native tree species.
• NEMT has objected to an application for a communications mast in the Lethnot area, the purpose of which is stated as being improved mobile phone coverage for the safety of estate staff. As well as pointing out that this is in a Wild Land Area and no assessment of the implications of this has been provided, NEMT has raised the option of satellite phones as a viable alternative.

These two applications are still under consideration.

Our two 'trackers', NEMT members Sandy Mcintosh and Carlos Oldani, continue to diligently scrutinise, week in week out, the websites of all planning authorities covering the Grampian hills and then highlight applications of concern. Thanks go to Sandy and Carlos.

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