A north ski centre is bidding for permission to keep an access track for one of its runs.
CairnGorm Mountain has made a retrospective planning application to retain the track, which is near the Shieling Tow mid-station at the resort.
The road was formed as part of work to upgrade the ski run with a new lift.
The operations team then decided to retain the track rather than remove it, prompting the application.
The attempt to retain the track has proved controversial, with seven supporters and 13 objections raised against the plan.
Objectors included David Gibson, chief executive of Mountaineering Scotland, who said it adds to their concerns about the “serious proliferation of hill tracks throughout Scotland”.
Other objections were based around environmental concerns, including damage to native habitats and species.
Objectors also raised concern the works had been carried out without planning permission.
However, CairnGorm Mountain general manager Janette Jansson said: “We already had permission for the main project, so this technically counts as a retrospective planning application; it’s a quirk in the planning system and does not mean we have been working without planning permission, but it’s understandable why it has led to some confusion.
“The track will help us keep the area in the best possible condition for our snow sports customers as it will make it easier for vehicles such as quad bikes and land rovers to access the area for summer maintenance and fencing installation.
“It will also be greatly beneficial in moving and positioning our snow making guns.
“Ultimately, there will be less disruption to the environment when further improvement works need to be carried out as we will already have a permanent access track in place.”
The plans will go before the Cairngorms National Park Authority planning committee next Friday, where it has been recommended for approval.
Planning officer Katherine Donnachie said that the track was deemed to “fit appropriately” into the landscape.
