1. CONSULTATION. The majority of the residents were unaware of the Local Plan proposals until a public meeting was held on 30 September 2008. This suggests that the previous consultation carried out by the CNPA was inadequate.

2. FLOOD RISK. According to the flood maps produced by SEPA most of site H1 is shown to be at risk of flooding at least once in 200 years. The planning authority should not designate this site for housing unless a more detailed flood risk assessment shows it to be suitable.

3. RECREATION/COMMUNITY USE. Site H1 should be reserved for recreational/community use. There are plans to provide a football pitch in Ballater. As Monaltrie Park is used for the Games, Victoria Week and many other functions, there is insufficient space for a football pitch. This should be sited on H1, together with car parking for the Games. Many previous consultations indicated that the vast majority of respondents favoured the creation of recreational/community facilities on site H1.

4. HOUSING. There is general agreement that low cost units are required for younger people living and working within the Park. Report 99, produced by Communities Scotland, indicates that the net need for affordable housing in Upper Deeside in 2006 was 29 units. This number could be provided in sites within and around the existing settlement, and at Crathie and Dinnet. The Environmental Report produced by the CNPA in June 2008 states that the policy should ensure that a range of housing options are targeted at those who live and work in the Park. The Local Plan allows for 250 housing units on site H1, 90 to be provided during the 5 year life of the Plan. So many houses on site H1 are not required to serve local needs. Also, the housing density is much too high for a rural environment.

5. TOURISM. The proposed large housing development would have an adverse effect on Ballater’s tourism, a major source of income.

6. EMPLOYMENT. It is unlikely that there will be employment for the occupants of 250 households, leading to large scale commuting or local unemployment.

7. AIMS OF CNPA. The stated main aim is to "conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area". The proposed housing development would be in conflict with this aim.

8. INFRASTRUCTURE. This would come under considerable strain if a large number of houses were built.

9. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT. Land in the Ballater area should not be designated for large housing developments unless a prior environmental assessment demonstrates that it will not be detrimental to the community. Such an assessment should include not only the effect on the natural environment, but other factors including road traffic, parking, tourism, age balance, and general infrastructure.

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