Whilst I fully respect the views of those opposed to the proposals to develop high quality family tennis, golf and football hub at Park of Kier between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, I cannot allow to pass unchallenged Frances Fielding’s letter (September 22).
Ms Fielding’s statement referring to the past public inquiries is misleading. The last public inquiry did not consider housing, but did approve in line with the recommendation of Stirling Council planning permission for a golf course and hotel. The principle of planning permission being granted for a hotel and recreational use on this greenbelt site has already been tried and tested and approved regardless of the green belt status.
The land that will compose a country park of more than 100 acres will, as part of the proposals, be transferred over to a community interest company to be managed purely for the benefit of the local community. It is not the case that the parkland will still be held in private ownership.
The parkland will be owned by a specially created community interest company with community representation and with a conservation burden on the title that creates a bulletproof mechanism to ensure that no housing can be built on the park.
It is wrong to suggest that these proposals will be harmful to wildlife. Converting some farmland to a golf course will improve biodiversity, and the 100 acres park, the largest created in the area, will be a haven for wildlife and people.
All that Judy Murray is seeking to do in creating world-class sporting facilities at Park of Keir is to provide the kind of facilities that just weren’t available for her when she encouraged her own children to enjoy their sport. Our whole team and, as we have found recently, a great many local people, fully support that objective.
Alston Birnie,
Park of Keir Partners,
Whitefold Farm, Auchterarder.
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