Environmental campaigners have launched an appeal against a legal rejection of their court challenge to the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan.

The Cairngorms Campaign is currently fighting a legal battle to oppose the building of 1,500 homes at An Cama Mor near Aviemore, 117 at Carrbridge, 300 at Kingussie and 40 at Nethy Bridge.

The plans have been lodged by Rothiemurchus Estate.

The Campaign lodged a complaint to the Court of Session over the plan, but this challenge was rejected last month.


Now, the campaigners have launched an appeal against the judgement.

The Cairngorms Campaign was founded in 1997 and consists of a coalition of conservation groups.

Its aim is to "provide a focus for the local, national and international passion for the natural and cultural environment of the Cairngorms and concern for their future."

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has said it is "disappointed" by the launch of the appeal, citing that "this risks causing further delay in implementing the Local Plan.

"We have instructed our lawyers to lodge a motion seeking 'urgent disposal' - i.e. asking the court to 'fast-track' the appeal because of the delays the ongoing process creates - though 'urgent' in court terms is still likely to be several months into next year," it said.

"We have also instructed them to pursue the matter of costs given the implications for public funds."

(IT)