21 September 2012 Last updated at 09:53 ET

Cairngorms National Park local plan appeal rejected

A consortium led by Rothiemurchus Estate plans 1,500 homes and other community facilities at An Camas Mor near Aviemore

Environmentalists have lost a legal challenge at the Court of Session to major housing developments planned for sites in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Cairngorms Campaign opposes plans for 1,500 homes at An Camas Mor, near Aviemore, and 117 at Carrbridge, 300 at Kingussie and 40 at Nethy Bridge.

It complained to the court about the national park authority's local plan, which includes the developments.

The challenge has been rejected by judge Lord Glennie.

He said the park authority's decision, based on the need to provide more housing in the area, was lawful.

Duncan Bryden, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said Lord Glennie's decision was welcome and confirmed that the local plan had been adopted correctly.

A consortium led by Rothiemurchus Estate plans 1,500 homes and other community facilities at An Camas Mor near Aviemore.