Lou,
The summary of the ruling indicates that they did consider the economic benefits but decided against the project anyway.
"Overall Summary of Findings
26. In terms of sustainable development, the reporters conclude that the proposal is consistent with Scottish Planning Policy’s (SPP) strong support for economic growth, rural development, growing communities and tourism, a key growth sector in the Scottish economy. However, because of the potential significant adverse effects on protected habitats and species at Coul Links, the reporters consider that the proposed development runs contrary to SPP’s emphasis on protecting natural heritage sites and world-class environmental assets. Therefore the reporters do not consider that it would contribute to sustainable development. Overall the reporters consider that the proposed development is contrary to the development plan, as the likely detriment to natural heritage is not outweighed by the socio-economic benefits of the proposal. Scottish Ministers agree with these findings.
27. Para 212 of SPP sets out that development that affects a SSSI should only be permitted where the objectives of designation and the overall integrity of the area will not be compromised; or where any significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by social, environmental or economic benefits of national importance. Scottish Ministers agree with the Reporters findings that the local and regional socio-economic benefits of the development do not justify the adverse effects on the qualities of designation of the SSSI, SPA and Ramsar."
Just a reminder that Trump has created relatively few jobs at Balmedie - 77 staff, 41 in food, beverage and accommodation,10 in golf operations, 15 in grounds, and 11 in administration. No hotel and no housing so far. Coul would likely have been less in the way of socio-economic benefits than Trump Balmedie.
As to whether there would have been economic benefit in the Dornoch area, that may well have been true. But, would that have been at the expense of other areas of Scotland. Or, did you think that Coul would have generated net new golf tourism to Scotland on its own accord.
If you had seen Balmedie from before the course, you would know that it is an entirely different ecological site. I don't recall Coul looking anything like this when you and I looked over the fence a couple of years ago. And this is a view of one of the smaller moving dunes at Balmedie.
It is impossible to do a proper cost/benefit analysis when the no-growth environmentalist side can set the said costs and benefits to whatever arbitrary levels will support their conclusion. The precautionary principle is being widely applied beyond what was previously known as "global warming" and now positioned as the inarguable "climate change".
We will disagree on whether the course "destroyed" the dunes. I found the whole area highly appealing and look forward to returning when I have more time. BTW, I can't remember of ever being treated with greater courtesy. There were a number of non-golfing tourists looking at the property, getting their pictures taken, and having tea and biscuits in the restaurant. Not everyone has the highly negative opinion of its owner or the club as you and many others do.
Re: Coul Links, my several hours on the site changed my first impression from the road, but only moderately. If it is an important site of scientific interest, then most of coastal Scotland is as well.
The site is a mess of debris, neglect, weeds and other invasive vegetation. It was nearly devoid of people and but for a few birds including one grouse, and a small deer, one sees multiples of walkers and wildlife each round at Royal Dornoch.
Given their work at Trinity Forest, a site that was perhaps as unattractive, I was looking forward to C & C's transformation of CL. Though with not much in elevation changes, the land probably has enough movement and easy to mold material that these experts could build an entertaining links. I don't know how or if they planned to bring the sea into view, a great attribute of RD, but perhaps this wasn't that important.
I am very disappointed with the decision so I can understand Todd W's "despair". It will definitely mean that I will stay fewer nights in the future, as having a second course which approaches RD in quality and interest was important to me.