Third anniversary sparks call to finally ditch project

attracted over 1000 objections.

However, in August 2017, it was approved, on appeal to the Scottish Government, despite the planning reporter, who chaired an inquiry, recommending refusal.

Agreeing to the application in principle, planning minister Kevin Stewart imposed a number of conditions on the developers which included: securing education and affordable housing contributions; an agreement that no further residential development would be undertaken on the wider site; and arrangements to ensure the sports facilities are affordable and accessible to the general public.

Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell said this week: “The development of Park of Keir would ruin a huge swathe of precious green belt between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan and irrevocably change the character of the landscape for the worse.

“The whole process since 2017 has been dogged by a lack of transparency and has simply dragged on too long. Three years and still the uncertainty remains. It’s time now for the planning minister to recognise that the community don’t want this development and that the developers can’t deliver on the promises they made years before the current economic crisis hit. He must finally bring an end to the Park of Keir saga and throw the current application out.”

Green Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache added: “I call upon Stirling Council to immediately write to the Scottish Government and say that, as no agreement has been signed, they will not seek an extension in these very protracted negotiations. It’s beyond belief that this saga has gone on for three years with countless extensions. The communities of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan deserve better and now is the time to finally protect this vital piece of green belt.”

Stirling Council did not respond to our request for comment in time for publication.

A Park of Keir Partners spokesperson said this week: “Like many organisations, we’ve been affected by the wider effort to restrict the spread of Covid-19.

“However, we are pleased to have agreed the Section 75 with Stirling Council and are now finalising our plans. We look forward to bringing those to life in the form of an exciting multisport community facility.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Stirling Council and the applicant are working together to conclude the planning obligation process.

“Under the current circumstances a further extension has been allowed until the end of September 2020.

“As this is still a live planning application, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

Three years and still the uncertainty remains