Latest news with #DiarmidHearns
BBC News
04-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Horse racing track near Bannockburn site refused
The Scottish government has refused planning permission for a horse racing track next to the historic Bannockburn battlefield Council had approved the proposal, which would have seen a trotting track for harness racing built on land at Chartershall on the outskirts of the ministers ruled the proposals would "introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield".The Scottish government formally "called in" the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. Ministers ruled the development would have a "significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place".The Battle of Bannockburn, fought in June 1314, saw Robert the Bruce and his Scots army defeat the English troops led by King Edward proposed development would have had parking for more than 200 cars and access roads within view of the battle Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) saying it was "shocked and disappointed" at the acting director of conservation and policy Diarmid Hearns said: "This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history."He said the ministers' conclusions "closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield". Impact on Bannockburn as a nationally significant battlefield Ministers said that while they were "sympathetic" to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they "do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings".The Scottish government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: "The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield."Stirling Council has been approached for comment.
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ministers reject Bannockburn track and golf range plans over battlefield fears
The plans for a trotting track and a separate bid for a golf range complex had rumbled on through the planning process - but have been given a final thumbs down by Scottish ministers. Scottish Ministers have rejected two significant planning applications for Whins of Milton, citing their impact on the Bannockburn battlefield. Controversial plans for a trotting track - and a separate bid for a golf driving range - have now been refused, having been called in by Ministers. But - while the driving range plans had also failed to find support from the Scottish Government's independent planning appeals reporter - the trotting track plans had been recommended for conditional approval by the same department before Ministers vetoed the move. The harness racing experts had argued that the track application, lodged by Mr H Muirhead for land west of New Line Road and south of Fairhill Road, was vital to safeguard the future of their sport. But the proposals also attracted strong objections from those concerned about protection of the battlefield and views from the nearby Battle of Bannockburn Centre and rotunda. In their decision, Ministers said they disagreed with the reporter's findings 'that the proposed development would not have significant effects on the battlefield or listed buildings and that it accords overall with the development plan.' The Ministers added: 'The proposed development would introduce new development and urbanisation into one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield and it would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place.' They also said it would 'detract from the prominence of the listed buildings'. Both the Ministers and the reporter agreed there was no reason to doubt what supporters had said about the need for a new permanent harness racing track for the future of the sport, but that that was primarily a question for the applicant rather than Ministers. The Ministers were 'sympathetic' to points raised by supporters of the application but did not feel the benefits would outweigh 'the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. One of the fiercest critics of the trotting plans, Scotland's largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, welcomed the decision and thanked Ministers, members of the local community and NTS supporters 'worldwide' for backing its campaign. The Trust's Acting Director of Conservation and Policy, Diarmid Hearns, said: 'Ministers' conclusions closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield. 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' On the separate golf driving range application, both the Scottish Government planning appeals reporter and then Scottish Ministers refused permission for the proposal near the battlefield. Local businesswoman Lianne Muirhead has long wanted to create the driving range, clubhouse and multi-purpose community space 250 metres east of Bridge Cottages. In their decision, this week Scottish Ministers said they agreed with the DPEA reporter that the proposed development did 'not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield' and would have a 'significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised'. The decision also stated: 'The Scottish Ministers agree with the reporter that the proposed development would be clearly visible to the observers directly beyond the [battlefield] interpretation panels and that the driving range building would be a prominent addition to the restricted and framed landscape view when observed from this viewpoint. 'The proposed development does not effectively integrate with its sensitive landscape context owing to its scale and position and therefore, does not accord with the relevant development plan policies regarding siting and design.' A 'very disappointed' Lianne told the Observer this week they would not be submitting new plans, adding she felt elected members had not given local support for the facility due consideration. 'We felt we had a very good case to provide a facility that would reinvest in our community and benefit those both living and working in Stirling. 'While we appreciate the significance of the battlefield, we hoped that the mitigations we had put in place to limit the view, allowed us to provide a community and economic benefit that would outweigh any detriment to the site of a possible battlefield. 'A lot of time, effort and money went into us putting in the very best application we could. 'Two golf facilities, along with a racetrack, have been removed from our area with no plans to have these facilities replaced anywhere.' Local SNP councillor Gerry McLaughlan said: 'As a local councillor I worked with local people to ensure that their voices were heard. 'I am therefore delighted that both developments were refused. 'In our area in the South of Stirling there is a great deal of homes being built in the next few years. 'Protection of vital open green space in this area is crucial to the growth of Stirling. 'I know in particular the refusal of the trotting track will be met with disappointment to the supporters of trotting locally. 'But to balance that there was almost universal objections locally to the development, so I believe the correct decision has been made.'
The Courier
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Plan for controversial Bannockburn trotting track blocked by Scottish Government
A controversial plan to build a harness racing track near the Battle of Bannockburn site has been rejected by the Scottish Government. The proposal, lodged by Mr H Muirhead of the Scottish Harness Racing Club, hoped to construct a trotting track surface in a Whins of Milton field. A single-storey building housing toilets, a bar and hot takeaway food, and 240 parking spaces, also formed part of the plan. It was greenlit by Stirling Council's Planning and Regulation Panel in July 2024. Due to the type of application, the Scottish Government was to have the final say. While the reporter recommended planning permission should be granted subject to conditions, Scottish ministers disagreed. They said the development would have 'a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. This was due to new development and urbanisation on one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield. Furthermore, it was considered to 'detract' from the prominence of the listed buildings and would therefore have a 'detrimental impact' on their special character and setting. The plan also would not preserve the character or the special architectural or historic interest of the Rotunda and flagpole, according to ministers. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at The National Trust for Scotland, thanked those who campaigned against the plans. He said: 'Ministers' conclusions closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield. 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' In harness racing, horses compete in a specific gait while pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. Scottish harness racing took place at Corbiewood Stadium for more than five decades. However, the site was demolished in 2022 to make way for housing as part of the South Stirling Gateway development. The Scottish Harness Racing Club is currently using a grass track at Haugh Field. A plan for a new trotting track was submitted in October 2023. It proved controversial with more than 100 responses for and against the proposal. The National Trust for Scotland, which runs the Battle of Bannockburn site, described it as a 'damaging and unsuitable development'. Residents voiced concerns over the influx of vehicles, noise pollution and the historical significance of the site. But supporters said the track was needed for harness racing to 'survive' in Scotland and would bring a 'financial benefit' to the Bannockburn area.
Western Telegraph
03-06-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission
Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Bannockburn is famous as the location of Scotland's victory over the English in 1314 (Andrew Milligan/PA) Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history Diarmid Hearns, National Trust for Scotland Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the ministers' conclusions 'closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.'
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Nature charities call for proposed offshore windfarm to be refused
RSPB Scotland has joined forces with the Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Seabird Centre and Scottish Wildlife Trust to urge Scottish ministers to refuse Berwick Bank "to protect wildlife and progress less damaging offshore projects". The charities say new offshore wind developments are currently being held back due to their combined impacts with Berwick Bank on Scotland's globally important seabird populations. It comes as seabirds already face serious challenges, from Avian Flu to unsustainable fishing practices. Around 70% of seabird species are in decline in Scotland, including much-loved Puffins which face national and global extinction, according to RSPB Scotland. READ MORE: Scottish Seabird Centre objects to 'highly damaging' Berwick Bank plan Community anger as bid for 'groundbreaking' windfarm project rejected Work to start at major new Scottish wind farm as key contractors hired Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: 'Offshore wind has a key role in tackling the climate and nature emergency. We fully support well-sited wind farms which work with nature. But they are being held back by a major spanner in the works. 'Berwick Bank would be catastrophic for Scotland's globally important seabirds. Its impacts are so damaging it is blocking plans for new, less-harmful windfarms. 'As the First Minister said earlier this year: nature should be at the heart of climate action. Our message to the Scottish Government is clear. Refuse Berwick Bank to unlock the full potential of offshore wind while protecting our outstanding wildlife.' Diarmid Hearns, interim director of conservation and policy at The National Trust for Scotland, said: 'The National Trust for Scotland cares for St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, which is home to approximately 45,000 seabirds during breeding season, including protected Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill and Shag species. 'Climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds and offshore wind development is important to meet Scotland's climate ambitions, therefore we are fully supportive of it. However, installations must be located with sensitivity to the very habitats we're trying to protect from climate impacts- the proposed site for Berwick Bank is likely to cause high levels of ecological damage and severely impact the seabird colonies at St Abb's Head. Bass Rock is home to the world's largest colony of Northern gannets. 'We urge Ministers to reject the proposal for Berwick Bank and instead focus on advancing proposals in more appropriate locations.' Harry Huyton, CEO at Scottish Seabird Centre, said: 'The Firth of Forth is home to globally important seabird populations, including the world's largest colony of Gannets on Bass Rock. 'Most of Scotland's seabird species are already in decline, and Berwick Bank threatens to undermine attempts to restore populations by killing and displacing tens of thousands of seabirds. It is simply the wrong place for an offshore wind farm. 'We want to see a strong and vibrant offshore wind industry in Scotland, which avoids developing sensitive sites for wildlife and actively contributes to nature conservation. Ministers must urgently act for nature and the future of offshore wind by refusing consent to Berwick Bank.' Jo Pike, chief executive at Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "Renewable energy developments will be a key component in tackling the climate emergency, but this must be done in a way that also protects nature. 'Scotland's seas are facing the twin nature and climate crises and developments must therefore be strategically placed to avoid damaging already vulnerable species and habitats. 'Refusing consent to Berwick Bank in favour of developments in less sensitive areas would allow for progress towards Net Zero commitments at pace, whilst mitigating the impacts to nature.'
