Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-27 - Other - Page 79
Place
Since its inception in 2003, the
Cairngorms National Park has been
most successful when a broad range of
people come together to find the right
solutions for their specific area. Over the
next few years, there are a number of
significant challenges around housing,
transport and tourism that we need to
address collectively. Finding the right
solutions to make a significant difference
for our residents and visitors will not
be easy, particularly as we must do so
with nature and climate at the heart
of everything we do.
Access to affordable housing came out very strongly
in the public consultation and we acknowledge that,
like many other rural communities across the UK,
there is a significant risk of local residents – and
in particular young people – being priced out of
the market. Whilst there is no silver bullet, tackling
the number of second homes, vacant properties
and short-term lets should increase available
housing stock, and we will set ambitious targets on
new housing development to ensure the majority
is for social rental, mid-market rental or other
affordable categories, and that this remains the
case in perpetuity.
The work that has taken place already – such as
increasing affordable housing provision to 45%
in certain towns – is a step in the right direction;
however, we now need more radical solutions if
we are to truly deliver the desired objectives and
outcomes. Our Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030
programme includes a range of ambitious projects
to improve physical infrastructure and amenities in
the National Park, from a Park-wide e-bike network
and large-scale public transport improvements to
a unique dementia activity resource centre near
Glenmore. The programme brings together over 45
partners across the public, private and third sectors
and represents the single largest public investment
in the Cairngorms National Park to date.
Image of shops on Aviemore high street by Liam Anderstrem
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