Controversial golf course development plans called in
Controversial plans to develop a golf course on a site of scientific interest have been called in by the Scottish Government.
The application for Coul Links at Embo in Dornoch was granted permission by Highland Council in June.
A coalition of environmental groups including National Trust for Scotland, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust are opposed to the development, saying the coastline involved is an important habitat for rare and endangered plants and birds. The application will now be reviewed by Scottish ministers.
Planning minister Kevin Stewart said: “I have called in the application as the proposal raises issues of national importance in relation to natural heritage and its compliance with Scottish planning policy and requires further scrutiny.
“It is right that the decision is taken at the national level. As this is a live application, ministers cannot comment on the proposal. An independent reporter will now consider all the evidence relating to this case and provide a recommendation to ministers who will make the final decision.”
The plans would see an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, a pro shop, caddy hut, workshop, administration building and information booth constructed on the site of specific scientific interest.
Local authority officials had recommended councillors refuse planning permission, saying the proposed develdeveloper opment would have a detrimental impact and result in permanent loss of sand dune habitat. Coul Links Ltd has refuted concerns over the environmental impact. Jonny Hughes, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “This is one of the most important planning decisions to have affected Scotland in recent years so it is only right that it is considered by the Scottish Government.
“Nearly 13,000 members of the public wrote to MSPS asking them to take a closer look at this important case, and we are heartened these plans will now be given closer scrutiny.
“We urge Scottish ministers tomaintaintheircommitment to the long-term protection of fragile and internationally rare habitats by ensuring that these wholly inappropriate plans are not allowed to go ahead.” Todd Warnock said: “Whilst this decision delays bringing significant economic and environmental benefits to the area, we welcome the opportunity to set out again the compelling case to create a worldclass golf course in east Sutherland.
“Highland Council’s north planning applications committee, took an emphatic decision in June.”
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