Farm granted ‘unusual’ request to move across road in A9 dualling project

Farm granted ‘unusual’ request to move across road in A9 dualling project

A Highland farm is set to move from one side of a main road to the other to make way for a dual carriageway.

Balavil estate has been granted planning permission by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) for the unusual request.

It will see the construction of a new version of Balavil home farm on the western side of the A9 near Kingussie in the Highlands, moving from its current location between the old and new A9.

The planning permission in principle for the new buildings and access track was approved by CNPA planning committee members on Friday.

Gavin Miles, head of planning and communities, said: “The A9 dualling project has presented the farm owners with a set of challenges as to how it can go about its daily business post-construction and they have decided that the best way forward is to essentially move the farm from east to west.

“We are recommending approval of the application as it meets with all the relevant policies in the Cairngorms National Park local development plan, despite an objection from Transport Scotland.”

Planning committee convener Eleanor Mackintosh said: “It certainly is an unusual application, moving an entire farm, but I am happy to support the recommendation based on the context of the application.”

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