Politicians welcome the decision
Politicians and campaigners were quick to react to the news:
Bridge of Allan and Dunblane councillor and former Bridge of Allan Community Council chair Douglas Dodds said: “I’m very pleased with the decision made by the Scottish Government. It involved a lot of work from campaigners who included myself and other members of Bridge of Allan Community Council.
“Special mention should be made of Duncan McDougall and John Morgan. With their expertise and the help of Bridge of Allan community council, we raised the objection to this. We funded it ourselves and went to Stirling Council and gave a presentation two years ago.”
Green MSP Mark Ruskell, a vocal campaigner against the development in his role as councillor for the area from 2012-2017, said: “I’m absolutely delighted the iconic greenbelt of Airthrey Kerse has been saved again from developers. Six years ago the whole area was slated for an urban sprawl that would have destroyed the identity and landscape of surrounding communities and ruined the setting of the Wallace Monument.
“Graham’s Dairy should now cut their losses, focus on their plans at Kildean for a new dairy and talk seriously with the community about how this historic greenbelt can be brought under the stewardship of a community trust.”
Stirling North Labour Councillor Danny Gibson, said it had taken 382 days for the Scottish Government to make a decision on Airthrey Kerse, adding: “This is a victory for communities who did not support this application and a vindication of Stirling Council’s 2016 decision to refuse planning permission.
“It is also an indictment of the current national planning procedures, which allow a minority SNP Government to keep communities cruelly hanging on for decisions seemingly on the whim of Ministers.” Stirling Tory MP Stephen Kerr welcomed the news, adding: “Unlike Park of Kier, they have supported the council’s original decision. There has to be a radical overhaul of our planning laws that stops this lottery and keeps decision making local.”
MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Keith Brown said: “Throughout the planning process, I have ensured that the views of my constituents have been represented. I welcome today’s decision from the Scottish Government which will bring clarity on the proposals to local communities.”
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “I am pleased a decision has now been made with regards to this planning application. Many campaigners against this proposed development will be delighted with the outcome – however I am aware that a number of people in the farming industry will be disappointed.”
Stirling SNP councillor for Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Graham Houston also welcomed the decision, adding: “There were serious concerns about this proposal on a number of fronts. Whilst we need to build more houses and expand communities, it is crucial that this is carried forward in appropriate locations.”
Fellow SNP councillor Jim Thomson (Stirling North ward) said: “I had serious reservations about water drainage in the area, as the land is known to flood frequently. This was one of the main reasons for me voting against the application when it was brought to full council.”
Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “It’s great to see that the government has finally rejected the Airthrey Kerse development. Thanks go to all who have campaigned against this over the years to see this vital piece of green belt protected.”