Conservationists claim to have found a rare type of moss on a controversial housing site in the Highlands, and now the deadline for public comments on the plans has been extended.
Argyll Developments (Scotland) Ltd applied for permission to build 58 houses, as well as roads and paths on land at School Road in Nethy Bridge.
Previous plans by a separate company to build on the site were refused by the Cairngorms National Park Authority in 2011 and then rejected on appeal to the Scottish Government.
The deadline for public comments on the Argyll Developments plans, which was originally scheduled for today, has now been extended by two weeks to May 29, following the discovery of green shield moss on the site by wildlife enthusiasts.
Stewart Taylor, a member of the Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group (BSCG), found the rare moss in School Wood.
The group has long campaigned against the wood being developed.
A BSCG spokesman said: “This latest important find of another significant rarity adds further compelling evidence of the outstanding value of this ancient woodland site.”
A spokesman for Argyll Developments Ltd said: “This group has not shared what they maintain is their information with us and so we cannot comment on the issue or address any possible solution until we know the facts.
“What is clearly true is that there is strong pent-up housing need for local people in and around Nethy Bridge and consideration of this application has been delayed for some years.
“The Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group have been against the development from the start and have raised a series of issues. We will be happy to continue liaison with the National Park Authority on the application.”