GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture
Keiser's Coul Links Project (Embo/Dornoch)
Brian_Ewen:
http://www.thenational.scot/news/16254669.Coul_Links_golf_development_close_to_being_given_green_light/
Coul links gold development edges closer to approval from SEPA
National Newsdesk
29th May
SCOTTISH Natural Heritage (SNH) has removed all but one of its objections to a controversial golf course plan, according to the developers behind the project.
They say the move, coupled with the removal of all objections by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), means there is now virtually no statutory opposition to the proposed Coul Links Golf Development at Embo, near Dornoch.
The finalising of SNH’s response concludes a three-year consultation and the plans will go before councillors mext week.
Coul Links co-developer Todd Warnock said: “We are thankful for the extraordinary support and co-operation from almost everyone in the Highlands, especially the local community, as well as the diligence and professionalism of Highland Council, Sepa and SNH.
“After three years of effort we eagerly look forward to the June 5 planning committee.”
The aim is to make Coul Links one of the world’s premier courses, combining economic opportunity and ecological integrity
The developers will not build a hotel on the site, in part so economic benefits can flow to local businesses. They say the project is estimated to deliver 250 jobs and add £60 million gross value to the local economy over the first 10 years.
Marty Bonnar:
And then again...:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/trump-rival-s-plan-for-golf-course-on-rare-scottish-dunes-at-risk-1-4747421
Kalen Braley:
Hilarious.
Trump is a "rival" to Mike and Co? ;D ;D
Ian Mackenzie:
--- Quote from: Marty Bonnar on May 30, 2018, 05:15:19 PM ---And then again...:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/trump-rival-s-plan-for-golf-course-on-rare-scottish-dunes-at-risk-1-4747421
--- End quote ---
This cute little "newsy video" had approximately ZERO to do with Coul Links yet was 100% dedicated to Donald Trump.
Finally read the "article" which has no real news, research or - for that matter - journalism associated with it whatsoever.
It is more of a last-ditch puff-piece written by a novice who did nothing more than a Google search on the topic from her kitchen table... ;D
For a small contrast, please see the list of organizations, companies, tour groups and LOCAL businesses that are FOR Coul Links:
https://www.coullinks.co.uk/single-post/2018/05/30/SUPPORTING-COUL-LINKS
For "real journalism" on the topic, please let me refer you to Adam Lawrence:
http://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/coul-links-preparing-for-planning-hearing-set-for-5-june
Brian_Ewen:
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1487017/councillors-face-huge-decision-over-controversial-highland-golf-course-plans/
Councillors face huge decision over controversial Highland golf course plans
by Jamie McKenzie May 31, 2018
Councillors face a huge decision next week after their officials recommended refusing the controversial Coul Links golf course in east Sutherland.
Proposals for the 18-hole championship course by Embo have drawn more than 1,600 objections, with conservationists arguing it will damage dune habitat and wildlife in a designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
The plans are being spearheaded by US businessman Todd Warnock and renowned golf course developer Mike Keiser, who say the local environment can be enhanced.
Yesterday, the chairman of local opposition group Not Coul, Tom Dargie, welcomed the council planner’s recommendation and described it as one of “the most unpopular applications” in the history of Highland Council.
But Sutherland Independent Group councillor Jim McGillivray, who lives in Embo, fears his area could lose out on a “once in a century economic opportunity” in a village which, like many others in the north, have “endured generations of poverty, neglect and emigration”.
The planner’s report, unveiled yesterday ahead of next Tuesday’s North Planning Committee, said the Coul proposals go against Highland-wide development plan policies on “sustainable design” and “natural, built and cultural heritage” by causing a “significantly detrimental impact” on the SSSI and an internationally protected wetland site.
The report, written by Gillian Webster, said: “In particular, the Coul Links support some of the best quality SSSI dune slack habitats in Scotland and the proposal, in its current format, will result in significant and permanent loss of sand dune habitat, particularly dune heath and dune slacks and impacts to other species which depend on it.”
The official report, referencing Scottish Natural Heritage’s objection, says although mitigation has been proposed by the developers, the “residual losses are extensive and likely to be permanent” and that natural dune processes will be disrupted, fragmenting habitat.
It also says that “translocation” of dune habitat is “unlikely to be successful” and not an appropriate technique to safeguard an area of such environmental complexity.
But Ms Webster acknowledged that the application represents a “significant development proposal” for Sutherland and that there is clear support for the project locally.
Dornoch Area Community Council say the 34 acres of SSSI directly affected would be better managed and that this, together with the economic benefits, outweighs the environmental concerns.
The developers have repeatedly argued that creating another “world class” golf course close to Royal Dornoch would encourage golfers to stay longer in the east Sutherland area, generating more local jobs and significantly boosting the economy.
Last night Mr Warnock said: “As is customary, Highland Council is required to recommend refusal when a statutory body objects. In this case the single objection from a statutory body is narrow and Highland Council is clear in the absence of that they would be supportive. They also acknowledge the broad local support and significant economic benefit of the project.”
Mr Warnock also thanked the local authority for their “professionalism and dilligence” and said he looks forward to next week’s meeting.
But Mr Dargie said next week’s decision will “set a precedent” as to whether or not Scotland’s designated conservation areas are “for sale at any price,” and urged the developer to put forward an “environmentally responsible” course design instead of making councillors choose between jobs, which he argues would be low paid and seasonal, and a sensitive dune habitat.
Scottish Natural Heritage chief executive Jonny Hughes said the SNH objection demonstrates that the effect on the SSSI goes beyond the area that would be directly damaged, and that the true scale of the impact is still unknown.
Mr Hughes stressed that coastal sand dunes are one of the world’s fastest disappearing habitats and that it would be “extraordinary” if councillors approved the development.
RSPB Scotland also described the council planner’s recommendation as a “major blow” to the Coul Links plans, while Buglife Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland also welcomed the planner’s official report recommending refusal.
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