Decision is a blow to local democracy
Elected representatives have been reacting to news that the Scottish Government have approved in principle the controversial Park of Keir development.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart reckons the decision will cause anger among those living in the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan areas.
He said:“The Scottish Government ministers’decision to grant permission for the Park of Keir development is a huge blow to local democracy.
“Like its decisions on rural industrial-scale wind farms, this is another clear indication of a centralising government which rides rough-shod over councillors and their decisions which have the sole intention of standing up for communities in their own areas.
“The SNP has overruled them with no regard for the communities which the councils are supposed to represent.
“Stirling Council had previously signed a legal agreement preventing housing on this land. National planning policies do not support building of any kind on greenbelt land, and the Stirling Local Development Plan does not allocate any housing development to the Park of Keir.
“Whilst no one is against the development of new sporting facilities, as MSP for the area and a resident of Bridge of Allan, I know the decision to build it at this location will cause considerable anger amongst local residents.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Douglas Dodds added: “This is an appalling decision, a real punch in the face for local communities and local democracy. What is the point in having decisions made locally, then backed up by a professional’s considered judgement only to be ignored by the SNP Government who clearly wanted this approved at any cost.”
Green MSP Mark Ruskell, who gave evidence at the public inquiry, says that the decision has been made to appease celebrities.
He said:“I’m bitterly disappointed the SNP government has overturned the democratic decision made by Stirling Council and granted permission. For 30 years communities have successfully fought to protect this precious landscape from property developers, it’s totally unsuitable for housing, but local plans and the conclusions of a lengthy public inquiry have been ripped up by the Scottish Government.
“The proposal will not make Park of Keir a national centre for tennis or golf, it’s about as far away from deprived communities who need local facilities as you can get.
“This decision has more to do with appeasing celebrities and developers with deep pockets than securing a sporting legacy.”
Danny Gibson, Stirling Labour group leader added:“This is an outrageous decision by the SNP’s local government minister which treats local democratic decision making here in Stirling with contempt.“