CONTROVERSIAL plans for new homes to be built in the Cairngorms National Park have been rejected.

The proposal for 58 properties at Nethy Bridge sparked a wave of controversy, with locals lodging objections because of the impact on the natural habitat. It formed part of an action lodged at the Supreme Court to halt development in the area.

The park authority's planning committee, which visited the site at School Road and Craigmore Road yesterday, has now refused the application from Inverness-based Argyll Developments (Scotland) Ltd in line with a recommendation from the Scottish Government Reporter.

However, a wider plan for development of the area will be adopted within months.

Planning committee convener Eleanor Mackintosh said: "This development would have a significant negative impact on the natural heritage of the area."