Park of Keir could hit sporting sites
Autumn in the Ochils
Dear Editor I refer to various correspondences in your letters page regarding the proposed development at Park of Keir and the competence of the Government in over-ruling its own Reporter who refused the application.
I have been advised by the Government that “whilst Scottish ministers have a general power to intervene in any planning application or planning application appeal, they exercise this power very sparingly and only in cases where there are issues of genuine national as opposed to local significance”.
Unfortunately I am aware of many interventions over the last few years - an example being the proposed wind farm development at Stronelairg in the Highlands.
The John Muir Trust opposed the development and had to pay £50,000 as final settlement for its campaign after it lost an appeal by the Government, despite the trust winning a judicial review, the last means of defence for a community. It also had to pay £75,000 to the Government.
In the application for the development at Park of Keir the Reporter advised against approval of the scheme as the case for economic benefit was not proven.
I wonder if the economic impact on local facilities has been considered in the Park of Keir development proposals? The National Tennis Centre is just two miles down the road at Stirling University for instance and has a mixture of indoor and outdoor courts; its sports centre offers permanent outdoor playing surfaces for hockey and football; other facilities at the university includes a golf course; Bridge of Allan and Dunblane have golf courses and tennis clubs; Dunblane High School offers hockey and football permanent surfaces and the Dunblane Centre has indoor sporting facilities.
There will be other facilities locally what will be the loss of income to them should the proposed development at Park of Keir proceed?
Paul Shaw Argyle Way Dunblane