Big plans for iconic Aviemore hotel and next steps for Inverness Food Warehouse and Commando Memorial

By Sean McAngus

July 25 2022, 11:45 am

More family rooms are proposed in the MacDonald Hotel in Aviemore.

Welcome to our weekly round-up of planning news across the Highlands.

This week, an iconic Aviemore resort hotel is looking for the go-head for more family rooms on their resort.

Plans are afoot for the change of use to a flat in the heart of Grantown to add to the tourism accommodation on offer.

And north planners have given the green light for roof repairs at a former post office and installation of handrails at a world-famous war memorial.

A planned Food Warehouse moves forward after signage is approved.

Major plans for Aviemore Hotel

Firstly, MacDonald Aviemore hotel has submitted a planning application to comprise two additional floors that will accommodate 53 new family rooms.

This will take place where there is limited provision of family suites available across the
resort area.

G H Johnston Building Consultants is representing MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resorts Limited in the application.

It described itself as a family-friendly four-star hotel in the Aviemore resort.

The proposed development is part of an ongoing investment in the Aviemore Highland
Estate which will see wider investment across various parts of the Aviemore resort.

Drawing impression of changes at MacDonald Hotel in Aviemore.

In a planning statement, hotel bosses said: “Expansion of the hotel will not only accommodate a greater number of guests to the resort and national park but will also provide a wider range of accommodation for guests to choose from.

“As the suites will be family sized, the proposal would allow families to stay in the resort itself and explore the park, a facility that has been lacking.

“Additional visitor numbers can be catered for and the development would help contribute to the local economy by providing a more flexible accommodation option for families wishing to visit and reside in the park.”

Residential to short-term let apartment

Simon Bourquin has submitted a retrospective application to turn a Grantown residential flat into a short-term let apartment.

The property at 32A The Square has two bedrooms on the top floor (a double and a single) and a lower room with a sofa bed.

The property sits above Macleans Bakery and Coffee shop.

Guest numbers are limited to a maximum of four adults and a child.

However, most customers are expected to be either couples or small families.

Earlier this year, against the backdrop of the ever-changing pandemic climate, Grantown High Street welcomed two new businesses.

In a planning statement, Simon Bourquin said: “The property is offered to tourists at rates that are extremely competitive which make it affordable for families and couples.

“Its town centre location makes it an ideal base for visitors to explore and use the local services offered without the need for transport.

“The property has been operated by the owner as a short-term let since December 2019 during which time there have been no complaints with regard to noise or nuisance from any of the neighbouring properties.”