Assessment cumulative effects

The proposed works are not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects. Due to the nature of the proposed works, no cumulative effects are anticipated with any other developments in the vicinity. A search of the Highland Council Planning Portal (Map Search) identified no approved planning applications within 300m of the scheme along the River Spey within the last six months.

However, two planning applications have been approved within 300m of the proposed A86 MacPherson Junction. These comprise the erection of a replacement restaurant and reconfiguration of the parking area at Newtonmore Truckstop, Old Perth Road (Planning Ref: 26/00038/FUL), located approximately 230m south of the A86, and the installation of a digital advertising board at the Esso Service Station, Perth Road (Planning Ref: 26/00381/ADV), situated approximately 45m south of the B9250 Perth Road. Due to their nature, scale, and separation distance from the proposed works, these developments are not considered likely to give rise to any cumulative environmental effects.

A search of the Scottish Roads Works Commissioner website (Map Search) has identified that at the A86 MacPherson Junction scheme, footway works are currently being undertaken by BEAR Scotland, with completion expected by 30/04/2026. No other roadworks are currently ongoing or scheduled on the trunk road concurrent with this scheme.

However, one set of works by the Highland Council is scheduled at the Station Road/B9150 junction. These works relate to the creation of a new access for the New Perth Road development and are programmed to take place between 22/03/2026 and 21/06/2026. As such, there is potential for a partial temporal overlap with the proposed A86 MacPherson Junction works. Due to the nature, scale, and location of the proposed works, no cumulative environmental effects are anticipated in combination with other developments in the vicinity.

BEAR Scotland programme all of their proposed works in line with appropriate guidance and contractual requirements. All schemes are programmed to take into account existing and future planned works, with a view of limiting any cumulative effects relating to TM. As a result of this exercise, where a potential for cumulative impacts is identified, BEAR will reprogramme schemes to avoid / limit any cumulative effects or will utilise existing TM to complete multiple schemes at once. This approach allows BEAR Scotland to effectively manage the potential cumulative effects as a result of TM, resulting in minimal disruption to users of the Scottish trunk road network.

Overall, it is unlikely that the proposed works will have a significant cumulative effect with any other future works in the area.