A landowner is appealing the Cairngorm National Park’s decision to force the removal of a controversial vehicle track in scenic Glen Clova in Angus.
A Scottish Government planning official will conduct a site visit on Friday 20 December to view the track, which sparked national headlines in October this year – including coverage from the BBC and the Herald.
Helen Todd, who is Ramblers Scotland’s policy manager and co-convener of the LINK Hilltracks group, said: “It is deeply frustrating that a landowner is challenging the order forcing them to restore this unauthorised track, which is scarring the landscape in historic, protected Glen Clova.
“Ministers have committed to review the unfair, inadequate planning process for such tracks next year – and this case shines a spotlight on why change is urgently needed throughout the whole of Scotland.”
Beryl Leatherland, of Scottish Wild Land Group and co-convener of the LINK Hilltracks group said: “We feel confident the landowner’s appeal will fail, but it will result in yet more costs and delays while this retrospective process takes place.
“This case yet again highlights the urgent need for stronger controls over vehicle tracks in our hills – to support local democracy, boost construction standards and save our uplands from further damage.”
You can view the full planning papers here.
NOTES
[1] For further information contact Danny Carden, Communications and for Ramblers Scotland and LINK Hilltracks subgroup member, 0131 357 5854 / 07557 527607,danny.carden@ramblers.org.uk