§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the approval of ski tows and associated developments within the Caenlochan National Nature Reserve, Glas Moel, (Tayside/Grampian) contravenes the national planning skiing guidelines issued by the Scottish Development Department in 1984; whether an Environmental Impact Assessment into the development proposals was undertaken; whether the Nature Conservancy Council objected to the development; and whether this site qualifies under EC Directive 79/409 for listing as a Special Protection Area.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)Kincardine and Deeside District Council have granted planning permission for a ski tow on Glas Moel, Glenshee, the top 100m of which is within the Caenlochan National Nature Reserve. This approval does not contravene the national planning guideline for skiing developments: an environmental assessment was prepared; the Nature Conservancy Council lodged an objection to the planning application; and the Nature Conservancy Council have identified the Caenlochan National Nature Reserve as meeting the criteria for designation under EC Directive 29/409.