Controversial plans to build a new village in the Cairngorms National Park have been revived.
Developers behind the 1,500-home An Camas Mor project have applied to have their planning permission for the development extended.
The idea of a new village on Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore was approved in principle in 2014.
But the planning permission expires later this month – forcing the developers to apply for an extension.
No detailed plans have been forthcoming in that time and work has never started.
But a spokesman for the development last night insisted that they are determined to make “this exciting project a reality”.
The village is planned to be built on the opposite side of the River Spey from Aviemore.
A spokesman for An Camas Mor said: “The An Camas Mor project was granted planning permission in principle in 2014.
“Since then we have been working hard with the CNPA (Cairngorm National Park Authority) and local stakeholders to fulfil the environmental conditions attached to the proposed development.
“The permission was due to expire this month, and while there are no environmental changes to this long-term sustainable project, we are seeking an extension to complete the necessary studies to outline the wide range of benefits to the national park, to its current and future population and to the business community.”
The development proved controversial the first time around with a consortium of environmental campaigners staging a legal challenge.
Two challenges in the Court of Session failed and the battle was taken to the Supreme Court, before the conservationists withdrew their appeal citing the cost of legal fees.
The spokesman for An Camas Mor added: “The development will create a sustainable new community with a unique combination of affordable housing, small business premises and community facilities in a woodland setting.
“It has wide support from the local community council, other elected representatives and from within the community.
“We look forward to working with the CNPA over the weeks and months ahead to enable us to make this exciting project a reality and realise the long term benefits for the people and businesses of the area.”
