Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has submitted a planning application for Cairngorm funicular engineering works.

The application, lodged with the Highland Council, is for excavation around pier bases and foundations, application of concrete and installation of supporting props to affected piers.

Supporting documents include a methodology statement detailing the way in which the works will be undertaken, an ecological assessment, and a landscape and visual appraisal.

The application and supporting documents have been co-ordinated for HIE by Ryden LLP, in consultation with other specialist firms and senior planning officers from The Highland Council and Cairngorm National Park Authority (CNPA).

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It is expected to be called in by CNPA for consideration by its planning committee.

All supporting documents will be available initially on The Highland Council website, and subsequently on the CNPA website.

Carroll Buxton, interim chief executive at HIE, said: "The preparation of this planning application has been a very complex process, requiring detailed design and methodology considerations before environmental impact could be assessed. The teams at both HIE and Ryden Planning have been working extremely hard to bring the different aspects together, so it’s great to see it reach submission stage.

"We have always said we are keen to restore the funicular to normal operations, subject to approval of the final businesses case and availability of funding. However, we need to have all necessary consents in place before any works can begin, which is why we have applied for planning consent now.

"The next stage is putting the works out to tender to get accurate costs and timescale, and this information will inform the full business case. Subject to planning approval and final business case approval, our aim is to start work soon after the planning meeting."

Other planned works on the funicular structure that do not require planning consent include strengthening of beams and replacement of sliding bearings.