A significant victory was achieved when the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Planning Committee refused an application for a major track development north of Newtonmore linking the Banchor and Pitmain estates. NEMT had objected to this and, along with others, spoke at the Park's planning committee meeting. The applicant claimed that the work was needed for the extraction of timber as public road access was unsuitable. This argument was challenged and it was also demonstrated that the track would have serious landscape effects. NEMT emphasised how the track did not meet the Local Development Plan conditions for approval of tracks ('exceptional circumstances'; 'no alternatives' etc). The Committee agreed, with no members speaking in favour. This was something of a test case for the Park's policy on tracks and it is good to note that it held firm. All along NEMT has considered that the application was more related to the convenience of the Jafur family and its shooting guests than forestry.
Among current objections NEMT has submitted are two proposed tracks in the Lethnot area, one being just to the east of The Goet, a popular Clova Corbett. Both are in the Lochnagar-Mount Keen Wild Land Area. No wild land assessments have been provided and we can see no reason for these tracks beyond 'estate convenience'. However, they present a dilemma. The proposed lines follow 'tram tracks' created by the extensive use of vehicles over open ground. If the applications aren't approved, the estate will almost certainly continue this practice. The choice: either visually intrusive constructed tracks or further damage to sensitive soils- a no win from our perspective.
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