Developers delight at Coul Links green light from Highland Council
But plans will go to the Scottish Government for the final say
Developers say they are "absolutely delighted" that Highland Councillors have voted in favour of their proposal for a golf course at Coul Links.
A Scottish Government intervention saw the plans refused permission in 2020.
RSPB Scotland and Ramblers Scotland are among organisations to raise concerns about the new project's environmental impact.
However, Councillors on the north planning committee voted in favour of the plans, which will again go to the Sottish government for a final ruling.
Communities for Coul (C4C) director, Gordon Sutherland, said: “We are absolutely delighted that councillors have voted in favour of our application after careful consideration of all the information presented to them.
“Our plans, which have had the backing of local people from the outset, offer a genuine chance to create much-needed new employment opportunities in an area where the working age population is falling, threating the future viability of fragile communities. They also provide a guaranteed future for the wonderful wild coastal environment of Coul Links, which is currently sadly neglected and at risk.
“Local democracy has been at the heart of today’s decision, and we trust that will continue to be the case when Scottish Ministers come to consider our application.”
The developers planned to create a World-class course to add to a cluster of top golfing destinations in the North.
They claim the course will create up to 400 new jobs and generate more than £11 million pounds annually for the local economy.
The Conservation Coalition - a group of seven environmental groups - says that the course is in the wrong place and the site is a significant natural significance.
“We’re urging Ministers to call in the development to ensure that Coul Links is safeguarded"
Kenna Chisholm, Area Manager, North Highland and the Hebrides, RSPB Scotland said: “Due to the decision by Highland Council to grant permission for the golf course, contrary to its own official’s advice and disregarding nearly 750 objections including from NatureScot, we are once again asking
Scottish Ministers to save Coul Links. It’s really regrettable the proposals are now at this stage given how clearly it’s been shown that Coul Links is not the place for this kind of development.
“We’re urging Ministers to call in the development to ensure that Coul Links is safeguarded for nature and people into the future rather than being irreparably harmed. Scottish Government has made impressive commitments to nature and the environment, and this is an opportunity for Ministers to show that there is substance and meaning to their positive words and targets. We urge people to sign our e-action asking Ministers to consider the plans and save Coul Links.”