All-new Park of Keir plan
Controversial plans for 100 houses at Park of Keir have been scrapped and replaced by 19 luxury homes and a pledge to create a 100-acre country park.
And the Stirling Observer can exclusively reveal that the revised £40 million plans by Park of Keir Partners - including Judy Murray and Colin Montgomerie - are being submitted to Stirling Council today (Wednesday).
While they would still see a new tennis, golf and leisure facility - and establishment of the Murray Tennis Museum - there would be 80 per cent fewer homes.
Previously approved planning consent will still provide for a four star 150-bedroom hotel.
But more than 100 acres of woodland, including 65,000 new trees, will be create a country park, which the developers claim will ensure 62 per cent of the Park of Keir site remains in its present form “to be enjoyed by the community”. They say it will be largest country park in the area and more than twice the size of Laighhills, Ochlochy, Pullar and Strathallan Games Parks combined and will be managed by a community investment company made up partly of locals.
A new, hard surfaced 2km footpath/cycleway will also be provided as a “safer link” between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan to improve non- car access to Park of Keir.
Dunblane Junior Soccer Club would be given a new home training facility under the revised proposals, with provision of a new 3G
artificial pitch. This would be the first time the club, which has 250 players and around 40 coaches, has had its own ground.
An Environmental Impact Assessment will be re-run and consultations will have to be recommissioned.
The previous plans had generated hundreds of objections, but the developers say they believe the revised proposals take any previous concerns into account.
Judy Murray said: “The submission of these revised proposals comes after careful consideration and extensive community consultation.”
Alston Birnie of Park of Keir Partners said: “By creating a country park we can give assurances that 85 per cent of the site is kept as accessible green space under the stewardship of a charitable trust. We think we have now satisfactorily addressed this principal concern.”
Mr Birnie said the 19 houses were necessary for funding the development but “a small price to pay” to provide the sporting facilities and the country park and generate 150 jobs and £ 5 million for the local economy.
He added: “We are not unaware of the sensitivities of the site and have taken people’s comments into account. We want people to take a fresh look andcome to an informed opinion on these revised proposals.
“The housing is only there as a means to fund the sports facilities and is high value housing so we need fewer houses to generate the money needed. It is exclusive housing but the facilities will be open to everyone.
“This is a one off. There will never be another development proposal.’’
What are your thoughts on the new proposals? Email: news@stirlingobserver.co.uk or write to: Stirling Observer, 34 The Craigs, Stirling FK8 2DW.