Anger as Bercow wades into Park of Keir saga
Opponents to plans for a tennis centre and housing between Bridge of Allan and Dunblane are continuing their fight.
Last week, we reported that Commons Speaker John Bercow had written to Nicola Sturgeon, urging her to back plans for the Park of Keir development.
But his intervention angered those opposed to the £12 million plan, backed by Judy Murray.
Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (Rage) urged the Speaker of the House of Commons not to get involved in what they consider a local issue.
And Dunblane Community Council have now written to the First Minister to further clarify their position on the development.
Chairman Terence O'Byrne said: “It is regrettable that the Speaker of the House of Commons should seek to intervene in a Scottish planning matter, and for him to press such a strong case for a commercial development is deplorable. However, as the Scottish Government has said that it will consider additional representations about this planning appeal, I would be grateful if you could take into account our updated view of this development, which follow from a number of recent announcements.”
In the letter, Mr O'Byrne cites new planning powers for communities, the community council's role in a public inquiry which was held on the plans, and a new £15 million fund for indoor tennis centres in Scotland, which will mean less people would want to use Park of Keir. The Scottish Government are considering whether or not to grant planning permission to the proposals for a tennis centre, golf academy and executive housing at the greenbelt site.
Stirling Council rejected the application last year but developers appealed and a 10-day public inquiry was held in the autumn.
Central Scotland MSP Mark Ruskell, who also spoke against the plans at the inquiry, has told Mr Bercow to stay out of local issues.
“If I was to start wading in on planning issues in John Bercow's constituency of Buckingham then he would be up in arms, but that's exactly what he is doing in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan,” he said.
“I doubt he has even visited the area let alone walked on the precious greenbelt of Park of Keir, he's more used to frequenting the Royal Box at Wimbledon. It's disappointing that someone who has such a crucial role in upholding parliamentary protocol at Westminster doesn't see how inappropriate it is to comment on this controversial planning matter in another jurisdiction.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Ministers have received the report and recommendations from the independent reporter on the proposal for Park of Keir. We will publish our decision in due course, once the report has been fully considered.
“Ministers can also confirm receipt of Mr Bercow's letter. Any representations received will be taken into account, along with consideration of the reporter's report and recommendations.”