National park homes levy proposed

The national park has a shortage of affordable housing

People planning to build homes in the Cairngorms National Park may have to pay a levy towards affordable housing, it has emerged.

Those proposing housing developments of two or more homes could be required to allocate up to half of the 'units' to affordable housing.

Plans to introduce residency criteria for buyers were shelved after Highland Council planning officials objected.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has backed the change of plans.

Individuals building their own homes would be required to make a cash payment of possibly thousands of pounds towards affordable housing.

The authority said it would embark on a period of consultation on its proposals.

The park is a magnet for people to settle here and we have to look after its future Councillor Gregor Rimell

The recent plans to introduce residency criteria would have limited the sale of new houses to people living and working in the park.

The change of policy has been welcomed by Badenoch and Strathspey Councillor Gregor Rimell, who said: "The park is a magnet for people to settle here, and we have to look after its future.

"The next stage is crucial to make sure we look after local people"

The affordable homes contribution for new developments will be waived if the developer can demonstrate that the occupant of the house qualifies to access a form of affordable housing, according to Cairngorms National Park Authority planners.