A row has resurfaced over plans to build an artificial ski slope at the Cairngorm Mountain snowsports resort.
The £1.5 million development would be built close to the base station at the resort and would consist of a 98ft-long beginners slope and a 100-yard intermediate slope.
Adam Gough, head of technical services for Natural Retreats which operates the resort, said: “The proposed ski slope is part of a number of initiatives Cairngorm Mountain is undertaking to help support the winter season and provide year-round activities on the mountain which will also help increase the levels of employment all year round.
“This will hopefully be seen as an added benefit for businesses in Badenoch and Strathspey, especially external clubs, ski schools and activity providers as there will be a year round, state of the art facility to use.”
Several letters of support and objection have been lodged with the Cairngorm National Park Authority’s planning department over the plans.
Andrew Lockerbie, CEO of British Association of Snowsport instructors, said the ski slope would benefit the whole community and maintain the snowsports legacy at Cairngorm.
But objectors argue that a proposed green slope surface would be visually intrusive, and that the application fails to specify the type of material that will be used, a key factor in determining the scale of grounworks and resulting environmental impact.
Aviemore and Vicinity Community Council say a proper resort masterplan is needed before any such development should be allowed to go ahead.
Alan Brattey, secretary of the Aviemore Business Association (77 local businesses), said the ski slope will fail to bring in more tourism and would not provide increased employment, as suggested by the applicant.
He added: “There is empirical evidence that artificial slopes do not work in ski areas as both Glenshee and Lecht used to have artificial ski slopes, but these have been removed at both centres because there was no demand for them. People do not come to Strathspey during the summer months to ski on an artificial slope and in the winter they come to ski on snow, not on plastic.”
Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group say that the ski slope is in an “inappropriate location” and would be better located at lower altitude and closer to settlement and transport links.
Mr Gough said they have dealt with the matters raised in comments by carrying out visual impact assessments and ecological surveys.
He said they have spoken to planning officers to explain there is ongoing research taking place into the ski slope surface, which will be specified in due course.
Plans were put on hold last year in order for applicants to conduct further research on the slope surface material.
