THE RECENT DECISION to halt the Park of Keir development project marks a significant victory for local communities, activists, and the Stirling Council – highlighting the ongoing struggle between local autonomy and centralised government decisions. This triumph is particularly noteworthy given the long history of attempts to develop this green belt land, which has faced fierce opposition from residents and environmental campaigners.
A long battle against development
The Park of Keir, located between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, has been the focal point of contentious planning battles for over three decades. The central concern of opponents is that in addition to the environmental impact the development of the land between the two towns could result in their unwanted merger into one continuous conurbation. The proposed development, this time led by Judy Murray, aimed to create a £20 million tennis and sports centre alongside luxury housing. Despite the potential benefits touted by its proponents, including the creation of a sporting legacy for Andy and Jamie Murray, the project faced substantial opposition due to its location on green belt land.
Local councils, particularly Stirling Council, initially rejected the development plans, citing concerns over the environmental impact and the erosion of green belt land. However, in a controversial move, the Scottish Government, led by the SNP, overturned this decision in 2021, arguing the benefits outweighed the loss of green space. This decision was met with widespread disapproval from local communities and campaigners who argued the development was more about luxury housing than community sports facilities.
The contradictory role of the Scottish Greens
The involvement of the Scottish Greens adds a layer of complexity to this narrative. While the Greens have historically campaigned against developments on green belt land including Park of Keir, advocating for environmental preservation and sustainable development, they continued to support the SNP government, which favoured the Park of Keir project. This dual stance has been perceived as contradictory and drew criticism from environmental advocates and local communities alike.
A broken system in need of reform
The Park of Keir case is not an isolated incident. Across Scotland, there have been numerous instances where centralised government decisions have overridden local opposition to green belt developments. For example, the Flamingo Land project at Loch Lomond faced similar resistance due to concerns over its environmental impact. Such cases underscore a recurring theme of centralised power clashing with local interests, often leading to developments that do not align with the desires of affected communities.
The current planning system in Scotland, which allows for central government to overturn local decisions, often leaves communities feeling disenfranchised and powerless. The discretionary nature of the system permits councils to make decisions contrary to local development plans if deemed in the national interest, leading to developments that are unpopular with residents.
A call for vigilance and continued advocacy
While the halting of the Park of Keir development is a victory for local communities, it is not a guarantee against future attempts to develop the area. The history of repeated proposals for this site suggests that vigilance and continued advocacy will be necessary to protect it from future developments. This case serves as a reminder that while victories can be achieved, they require persistent effort and engagement from local communities and activists. In conclusion, the Park of Keir decision highlights both the potential for community-led victories and the flaws within the current planning system.
It calls for a reassessment of how planning decisions are made and the need for reforms that prioritise local input and environmental sustainability. As those of us who opposed the development celebrate this victory, let us remain committed to advocating for a planning system that truly reflects the needs and desires of local communities.
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Ariel view towards Park of Kier courtesy of protectparkofkeir.com
