Bannockburn battlefield plans refused as ministers overturn council decision
Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'.
As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'.
The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II.
Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision.
The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination.
While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. PA Media Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission
Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'.
Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.'
He said the ministers' conclusions 'closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield'.
He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.'
The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.'
Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'.
A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
4 hours ago
- STV News
Swinney urges Starmer to recall Parliament over ‘genocide' in Gaza
Sir Keir Starmer has been challenged to recall Parliament so the 'toughest and most severe sanctions available' can be imposed on Israel in the wake of reports of attacks on Gaza City. Palestinians are said to be fleeing the area after the Israeli military began the first stages of a planned ground offensive. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to 'reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza', as he warned of the 'massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause'. Scottish First Minister John Swinney meanwhile made clear his view that Israel's actions in Gaza 'amount to genocide', adding that 'the ground invasion of Gaza City only intensifies it'. He said: 'This latest action by Israel is an outrageous and unacceptable escalation which must be a further wake-up call to the international community. 'We must see serious action to hold Israel to account for this unjustifiable brutality and inhumanity.' He said the attacks will mean 'more innocent Palestinians are going to die', adding: 'What was already an intolerable level of human suffering will get worse, and we are getting even further away from securing a peace. 'I have made clear our grave concerns that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide and today's offensive is only going to intensify the suffering we are seeing. 'The international community cannot look away from this – there must be a concerted global effort to put a stop to Israel's action, secure a ceasefire and hold (Israeli) Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu and his government to account.' He urged the British Prime Minister to recall MPs to Parliament so action can be taken. Mr Swinney demanded: 'Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to recall the UK Parliament immediately so the toughest and most severe sanctions available can be imposed on Israel, and all UK arms sales to Israel ended. 'Every ounce of international influence the UK may have must be used towards putting an end to Israel's assault.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
North Wales Chronicle
4 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Swinney urges Starmer to recall Parliament over ‘genocide' in Gaza
Palestinians are said to be fleeing the area after the Israeli military began the first stages of a planned ground offensive. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to 'reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza', as he warned of the 'massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause'. Scottish First Minister John Swinney meanwhile made clear his view that Israel's actions in Gaza 'amount to genocide', adding that 'the ground invasion of Gaza City only intensifies it'. Netanyahu's actions in Gaza amount to genocide, and the ground invasion of Gaza City only intensifies it. The world cannot look away. We need serious and urgent action to put a stop to this. The UK Government must recall Parliament, sanction Israel, and end all arms sales now. — John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) August 21, 2025 He said: 'This latest action by Israel is an outrageous and unacceptable escalation which must be a further wake-up call to the international community. 'We must see serious action to hold Israel to account for this unjustifiable brutality and inhumanity.' He said the attacks will mean 'more innocent Palestinians are going to die', adding: 'What was already an intolerable level of human suffering will get worse, and we are getting even further away from securing a peace. 'I have made clear our grave concerns that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide and today's offensive is only going to intensify the suffering we are seeing. It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, and to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause. Simultaneously, the decision by the Israeli authorities to expand… — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 21, 2025 'The international community cannot look away from this – there must be a concerted global effort to put a stop to Israel's action, secure a ceasefire and hold (Israeli) Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu and his government to account.' He urged the British Prime Minister to recall MPs to Parliament so action can be taken. Mr Swinney demanded: 'Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to recall the UK Parliament immediately so the toughest and most severe sanctions available can be imposed on Israel, and all UK arms sales to Israel ended. 'Every ounce of international influence the UK may have must be used towards putting an end to Israel's assault.'
Glasgow Times
4 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Swinney urges Starmer to recall Parliament over ‘genocide' in Gaza
Palestinians are said to be fleeing the area after the Israeli military began the first stages of a planned ground offensive. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to 'reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza', as he warned of the 'massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause'. Scottish First Minister John Swinney meanwhile made clear his view that Israel's actions in Gaza 'amount to genocide', adding that 'the ground invasion of Gaza City only intensifies it'. Netanyahu's actions in Gaza amount to genocide, and the ground invasion of Gaza City only intensifies it. The world cannot look away. We need serious and urgent action to put a stop to this. The UK Government must recall Parliament, sanction Israel, and end all arms sales now. — John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) August 21, 2025 He said: 'This latest action by Israel is an outrageous and unacceptable escalation which must be a further wake-up call to the international community. 'We must see serious action to hold Israel to account for this unjustifiable brutality and inhumanity.' He said the attacks will mean 'more innocent Palestinians are going to die', adding: 'What was already an intolerable level of human suffering will get worse, and we are getting even further away from securing a peace. 'I have made clear our grave concerns that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide and today's offensive is only going to intensify the suffering we are seeing. It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, and to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause. Simultaneously, the decision by the Israeli authorities to expand… — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 21, 2025 'The international community cannot look away from this – there must be a concerted global effort to put a stop to Israel's action, secure a ceasefire and hold (Israeli) Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu and his government to account.' He urged the British Prime Minister to recall MPs to Parliament so action can be taken. Mr Swinney demanded: 'Prime Minister Keir Starmer needs to recall the UK Parliament immediately so the toughest and most severe sanctions available can be imposed on Israel, and all UK arms sales to Israel ended. 'Every ounce of international influence the UK may have must be used towards putting an end to Israel's assault.'
