Latest news with #DPEA
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Stirling golf driving range plan refused after last-gasp appeal
Plans to build a golf driving range complex in Whins of Milton will not go ahead due to the proposed site's proximity to the Bannockburn battlefield. On Monday, June 2, Scottish Government ministers refused planning consent, following the recommendations made by Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) reporter Stuart West. The appeal was the driving range's last hope. The plan was also refused by Stirling Council in January 2024. Appellant Lianne Muirhead hoped to gain permission to build golf facilities that could also be used as a cafe, club house and multipurpose community space. The driving range and associated car park would have been sited on agricultural land west of New Line Road in Whins of Milton, south of Stirling. Last year, Stirling Council refused the application on the grounds that the development would negatively impact green belt land and the Bannockburn battlefield. This was mainly due to its design and appearance, as well as floodlighting and fencing. Historic Environment Scotland was also against the plan for similar reasons. However, many locals were in favour of the driving range, commenting that it would boost the community and bring new jobs to the area. Ms Muirhead argued that the proposed new building would not disrupt the current landscape or view. She submitted an appeal to the DPEA asking it to overturn the council's decision a year on from her initial planning application, in April 2024. A hearing took place in October 2024, and the DPEA reporter made several site visits throughout last year. Now, after more than two years of debate, government ministers have quashed the plan. The DPEA's decision notice listed the impact on the landscape of the Bannockburn battlefield and A-listed buildings on Monument Hill as the main reasons for refusal. It also objected to the 'overall principle of the development'. The government argued that an alternative location on non-green belt land would be better suited for the Stirling driving range proposal. The Scottish ministers' decision on the matter is final, unless the appellant chooses to appeal to the Court of Session within six weeks. Scottish Government ministers also rejected a controversial plan to build a harness racing track near the Battle of Bannockburn site this week, after a similarly long-running debate.
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
SNP ministers throw out Bannockburn race track development
The decision comes despite a Scottish Government reporter having recommended that the plans for the trotting track be approved A decision statement published by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) said: 'The reporter recommended that planning permission should be granted subject to conditions. 'The Scottish Ministers have carefully considered all of the evidence presented and the reporter's findings and conclusions in the report. 'The Scottish Ministers disagree with the reporter's recommendation, as explained in this decision letter, and refuse planning permission for the proposed development.' Ministers argued the site lies in one of the last undeveloped areas of the battlefield, with important landscape features that contribute to public understanding of the 1314 conflict. They also found the proposed facility – including a racetrack, bar, and takeaway outlet – would introduce urbanisation that harms views from the battlefield's rotunda and disrupts the visitor experience. While the Ministers acknowledged the need for a permanent venue to support harness racing in Scotland, they said the anticipated benefits did not outweigh the cultural and environmental harms. They also dismissed claims that the visual and noise impacts would be limited to race days.
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Scottish ministers recommended to allow Flamingo Land appeal
A report released on Friday, May 16, by the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has given notice that the reporter in charge of the case is minded to allow their appeal. In September 2024, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator, Flamingo Land Ltd, had their planning permission in principle rejected after all 14 board members of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Planning Authority. READ MORE: Flamingo Land developers accused of using 'distortion and disinformation' The £40m proposals could create more than 100 holiday lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops, and more on the site called 'Lomond Banks'. Planning permission in principle will be subject to a legal agreement being reached. The final decision has therefore been deferred for the period detailed in the Notice of Intention to allow the conclusion of that agreement. The report reads: "This indicates that planning permission will be granted provided an agreement under Section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 is reached between the planning authority and the appellant. READ MORE: Reform 'becoming opposition' to SNP, says Farage after Scottish by-election surge "The planning permission will not be issued until that agreement is reached and registered." The 80-page document gives 417 reasons why the reporter is minded to grant the appeal. The new target date for a DPEA decision is November 27, 2025.
Glasgow Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Scottish Government reporter recommends Flamingo Land appeal approval
A report released on Friday, May 16, by the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has given notice that the reporter in charge of the case is minded to allow their appeal. In September 2024, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator, Flamingo Land Ltd, had their planning permission in principle rejected after all 14 board members of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Planning Authority. The £40m proposals could create more than 100 holiday lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops, and more on the site called 'Lomond Banks'. Planning permission in principle will be subject to a legal agreement being reached. The final decision has therefore been deferred for the period detailed in the Notice of Intention to allow the conclusion of that agreement. The 80-page document gives 417 reasons why the reporter is minded to grant the appeal. The new target date for a DPEA decision is November 27, 2025. Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: 'This is a real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making. 'Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders. At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond. 'We are delighted by the decision made by the Scottish Government reporter today. As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy, and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning.' Meanwhile, Balloch and Haldane community council, which has been campaigning against the plan, say the "fight is not over." A spokesperson said: "The Fight for Loch Lomond Is Not Over "Let us be clear: this fight is far from over. The gloves are off. "We are calling on ALL our followers and supporters to stand with the Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust. Now, more than ever, we need to show those in power that we will not take this decision lying down. "In response, Balloch and Haldane Community Council is calling an emergency meeting (date/venue to be announced soon) of all key stakeholders and political representatives. The purpose of the meeting is to develop a coordinated strategy to challenge the Reporter's recommendation and pressure the Scottish Government to reverse this decision."
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Scottish ministers set to allow Flamingo Land appeal
A report released on Friday, May 16, by the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has given notice that the reporter in charge of the case is minded to allow their appeal. In September 2024, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator, Flamingo Land Ltd, had their planning permission in principle rejected after all 14 board members of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Planning Authority. READ MORE: Flamingo Land developers accused of using 'distortion and disinformation' The £40m proposals could create more than 100 holiday lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops, and more on the site called 'Lomond Banks'. Planning permission in principle will be subject to a legal agreement being reached. The final decision has therefore been deferred for the period detailed in the Notice of Intention to allow the conclusion of that agreement. The report reads: "This indicates that planning permission will be granted provided an agreement under Section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 is reached between the planning authority and the appellant. READ MORE: Reform 'becoming opposition' to SNP, says Farage after Scottish by-election surge "The planning permission will not be issued until that agreement is reached and registered." The 80-page document gives 417 reasons why the reporter is minded to grant the appeal. The new target date for a DPEA decision is November 27, 2025. More to follow.
