Murray tennis centre ‘would bolster Green Belt’

JUDY Murray’s plans for a multi-million pound tennis and golf centre would bolster rather than harm the Green Belt, a public inquiry was told yesterday.

Planning consultant John Handley said the development was ‘appropriate’ for its proposed setting at Park of Keir, between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.

Mr Handley, a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: ‘The net economic and social benefits are significant, and of national and local importance.’ But opponents argue that the centre, with a 12-court tennis centre, a trainer golf course, a ‘Murray’ tennis museum and country park, funded by building 19 luxury homes and a 150-bedroom hotel, would be an intrusion into the green belt.

Planning permission for an 18-hole golf course and hotel on the site was granted in the face of protracted opposition by local people in 2005, but has since lapsed. Mr Handley was called to give evidence by Mrs Murray and the King Group, which owns the land at Park of Keir.

He said the principle of major development had already been established on the site despite its Green Belt designation, and the planning authority, Stirling Council, had also accepted that a golf course would provide ‘a buffer’, preventing coalescence of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.

Mr Handley said: ‘The distinct identities and setting of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan will be maintained. Coalescence will be prevented and the core role and function of the Green Belt will not be undermined.’

He said almost 90 per cent of the site was dedicated to recreational pursuits.’

The inquiry, headed by a Reporter from the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division, is expected to begin hearing evidence from objectors today.

It is being held following rejection of the proposals by Stirling Council last year.