A multi-million pound plan to transform Scotland's main ski centre was given the go-ahead yesterday.
Cairngorm National Park Authority's planning committee approved a development around Aviemore, which will create about 300 jobs and lead to much-needed investment.
The Highland Resort Master Plan, backed by Macdonald Hotels, Tulloch Homes and the Bank of Scotland, includes building two supermarkets and 160 houses.
Macdonald Hotels had threatened to withdraw its investment after planners demanded more time to consider the proposals which concerned some local residents and architectural bodies.
However, the planning authority yesterday said most of the outstanding issues had now been resolved although approval would be subject to improvements to community facilities.
Scottish Natural Heritage had no objection to the plans but expressed reservations about the impact on the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve.
David Green, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: "This site plays an important role in the economy of Aviemore and the national park as well as the surrounding area."
Donald Macdonald, executive chairman of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, said there had been repeated efforts to develop a year-round business economy in the town.
He added: "Many hundreds of jobs depend on the success of the plans and the future opportunities that would result from this, all helping to consolidate the region as a major tourist destination."
Willie McKenna, the locally elected member of the authority, was among those who welcomed yesterday's development. He said: "This is an important step towards the further development of Aviemore. I have long raised concerns that community services have been neglected in the area. These proposals could deliver a number of facilities as well as creating job opportunities."
David Stewart, MSP for Highland and Islands, said the decision was a "tremendous victory for common sense".
He added: "This development is a key driver in economic development in Strathspey and Badenoch. It should be sympathetic to the environment. It marries the two issues of environment and economy in Cairngorm National Park."
The Aviemore Centre was billed as Scotland's answer to the alpine resorts of Europe when it opened in December 1966. The integrated resort with a host of facilities on one site was something of a novelty, attracting more than 750,000 people in its first year.
However, while it enjoyed several years of success, the sudden growth in cheap package holidays to sunnier climes resulted in falling numbers.
Later, attractions included the surreal all-year-round Santa Claus Land and a gokart track but consumer tastes in holidays changed and the complex began to look dated.
Steadily declining snowfall and the explosion of cheap online flights saw Aviemore further struggle to attract new domestic holidaymakers.
