A series of draft compulsory purchase order notices have been issued along a 15-mile stretch of the A9 at Aviemore.
The move by Transport Scotland, as part of a a £3billion upgrade of the dual carriageway between Perth and Inverness, has caused some controversy in the village.
There are scores of compulsory orders being proposed to absorb land, expanding the road from single to dual carriageway.
Aviemore Community Council has objected as one of the orders would see the loss of an area of woodland used by locals and visitors.
Experts from Galbraith, Scotland’s largest independent property consultancy, are urging people with farms, homes and businesses along the 15-mile section, running from Dalraddy to Slochd near Aviemore, to act now if they are adversely affected by the proposals to avoid losing their legal rights under CPO rules.
John Grierson, chairman of Aviemore Community Council, said: “The community council objects because it takes away an area of woodland. In total it’s about two acres along the roadside, mostly birch, some pine.
“Milton Wood is used by locals and visitors. A core path goes through it. It is also used by the local school as a woodland classroom.”
Councillor Bill Lobban, of Aviemore, said: “It is a bit strange issuing a draft compulsory order when they are yet to go out for consultation.
“I think it is high time Transport Scotland started listening to local people instead of issuing edicts. Consultation actually requires listening.”
Those directly affected should carefully review the proposals as they have only until October 9 to object to the draft CPO, according to Mike Reid, partner and head of utilities at Galbraith.
He said: “People will of course want to ensure they’re adequately compensated for any loss and we are assisting many owners and occupiers along the A9 with these claims, but this is the last chance to influence the design of the scheme itself to minimise the impact on individual property interests.
“Agricultural, residential and commercial owners and occupiers are likely to be affected by the scheme irrespective as to whether they have land, or rights, acquired.”
Property owners and occupiers have a legal obligation to mitigate any losses in the event of a CPO.
The A9 programme will upgrade 80 miles of road from single to dual carriageway to deliver economic growth through improved safety and reliable, quicker journey times, as well as better links to pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities. Inverness is currently the only UK city without access to dual carriageway.
