Objection over fresh golf plans

Plans to build an 18-hole golf course in the Highlands have drawn an objection from Scotland’s nature agency over the potential impact on one of the last coastal dune habitats of its kind in the country.

NatureScot has advised Highland Council it cannot support the latest planning application to develop Coul Links near Dornoch as it considers the proposal could have “significant adverse effects” on habitats which form part of the Loch Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Three years ago, Scottish ministers moved to deny developers permission to create a similar luxury golf course development in the same area after local councillors approved the planning application despite opposition from environmentalists and their own officials.

NatureScot’s objection to the latest application put to the council by Communities For Coul (C4C) has prompted further calls from a coalition of conservation groups for the entire scheme to be scrapped.

The seven-strong group, which includes the likes of the National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, argue the area is “completely inappropriate” for a golfing development as it is considered a globally important wildlife site which supports many rare plants and insects.

A NatureScot spokesperson said: “We are unable to support this proposal as presented as in our assessment it will result in significant adverse effects on Loch Fleet SSSI, a sand dune habitat of national importance.”

A spokesperson for C4C said the group and its professional advisers are “carefully considering” NatureScot’s objection.