Holyrood denies Keir delay
The Scottish Government has been accused of delaying its decision on the Park of Keir plans.
But ministers insist they are giving the application for a tennis centre, golf academy and luxury housing their full consideration.
A report on the plans for the greenbelt site between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan was completed at the end of last year, following a 10-day public inquiry in the autumn.
However, ministers are still considering whether or not to grant planning permission and Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Alexander Stewart has accused the government of stalling until the council elections have taken place.
He said: “I find it somewhat puzzling that we have heard nothing further on the Park of Keir development since it was called in.
“The reporter submitted his report and made his recommendation to ministers over two months ago on December 22. I wonder why then we have not yet had an announcement.
“It is difficult not to contemplate the fact that there may be deliberate effort to delay the decision to a more convenient time.”
The government denied the claims and a spokesman said: “Ministers have received the report and recommendations from the independent reporter on the proposal for Park of Keir and are currently giving full and proper consideration to it.
“Every effort is being made to issue the decision as soon as possible.”
Green MSP Mark Ruskell has also queried the delay, submitting a written question asking when a decision will be made.
Local government and housing minister Kevin Stewart responded: “This is a complex planning application and ministers are currently giving full and proper consideration to it.
“Every effort is being made to issue the decision
There may be a deliberate attempt to delay the decision Alexander Stewart MSP
as soon as possible.”
The proposals to build a tennis centre, a golf training course and 19 luxury homes, backed by Judy Murray, were originally rejected over a year ago by Stirling Council.
Following an appeal to the Scottish Government a planning inquiry was held at the Westlands Hotel in Dunblane in September.