PofK plea to FM
Don’t repeat‘Trump fiasco’say group
Campaigners against the controversial Park of Keir development have written to Nicola Sturgeon urging her not to allow it to become a repeat of the“Trump golf resort fiasco”.
Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (RAGE) have forwarded a petition to the First Minister containing more than 1000 signatures collected in just eight days.
Park of Keir Partners, who include Judy Murray and Colin Montgomerie, are appealing Stirling Council’s decision to refuse their development of a tennis centre, golf facilities and luxury housing between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.
But in her submission on behalf of RAGE, Inga Bullen states: “Previously you have met with Judy Murray and expressed support for her aim of creating a Murray legacy.
“However we are concerned that with the Park of Keir site there may be a repeat of the Trump Menie Golf Resort fiasco, a decision which reflects so badly on Scotland.”
Park of Keir Partners argue their proposal complies with the development plan and the council should have considered the development as a whole instead of focusing on the residential element.
The developers have said they plan to transfer around 85 per cent of the land at the park to a Community Interest Company for the creation of a country park in order to help protect much of the site from further development, although opponents remain sceptical.
The appeal was ‘called in’ by ministers last month, who will have the final say on the proposed development.
But those opposed to the plans claim the Scottish Government was misled by Donald Trump over his proposal to develop the Menie estate - and they believe there are parallels with the Park of Keir development.
It is likely Stirling Council will have to pay out thousands of pounds to take part in appeals on both the Park of Keir development, and on the Graham’s Dairy application to build 600 homes on Airthrey Kerse.
Graham’s The Family Dairy lodged its appeal last week against the refusal to grant permission its development on greenbelt land between Bridge of Allan and Causewayhead.
It is understood the local authority’s costs to take part in these appeals could run into thousands of pounds, when it is already having to shed jobs and reduce services amid budget cuts of £6.3 million over the coming financial year.
An insider said: “The council will have to pay - but how much is anybody’s guess. It won’t be cheap.”
The controversial planning application to build at Airthrey Kerse was knocked back by Stirling Council last month. Councillors voted 12-8, with two abstentions, to refuse permission for the proposals submitted by Graham’s to build on greenbelt land between Bridge of Allan and Causewayhead.
But the company lodged an appeal on Tuesday last week (April 26), asking that the Scottish Government make a decision based on written representations.
Campaigners who fought against the plans have said they are “ready for round two” and will continue to strenuously oppose the development.
Concerned that with Park of Keir site there may be a repeat of the Trump Menie Golf Resort fiasco