Coul Links Lives (sort of, part 2)

[David_Tepper]

I could not find the prior thread.

Here is a recent article from the Press and Journal:

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/6271985/coul-links-environment-recommendation/   

Recent articles from the Northern Times:

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/search/?q=coul 

 

[David_Tepper]

Comments from the man whose family owns the land.


https://twitter.com/Communities4Co1/status/1730899318230384927?t=Pe4qqVqSC4NxO0lgSQCJXQ&s=03

[Adam Lawrence]

The planning committee of the Highland Council votes on the revised application this week. Given that they approved the original application with only one vote against, I assume it will pass easily, and then the fun begins...

[Ian Mackenzie]

This is a great video to watch that helps explain how the course will impact the sensitive SSSI areas.


https://vimeo.com/889822419?fbclid=IwAR1Lefm92ie2uZHsaB-91WGXVH8zmxEEkcwiL0pboxDPJkvK4iayLj4ViRg

[Tim Gallant]

Passed by the councillors.

[David_Tepper]

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/communities-for-coul-absolutely-delighted-over-planning-ap-335053/

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/6281519/coul-links-councillors-back-controversial-golf-course-plans/

[Adam Lawrence]

Here’s my story:

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/coul-links-plans-approved-by-local-council

[Marty Bonnar]

I’ll have a fiver on called in again, another public enquiry and refused again.
 
F.

[Charlie Goerges]

It said that they pledge not to seed but to simply mow the native grasses. Is there any chance that could lead to a nice playable surface in that area? Are there any other courses that have never seeded?

[Adam Lawrence]

It said that they pledge not to seed but to simply mow the native grasses. Is there any chance that could lead to a nice playable surface in that area? Are there any other courses that have never seeded?

I mean back in the day that's what everyone did. Sunningdale, in 1900, was the first course to be seeded. Huntercombe, built at the same time, was mowed out from the common land grasses that had been there for centuries. It will work fine, it is just likely to take time to refine the surface, especially given the other commitments about not using chemicals. If the course goes ahead, I expect it to be an old skool process -- it will not debut in fantastic condition, and will take time to get right. I think Machrihanish Dunes was the most recent course that was mowed out, and it took a pounding in its early days, partly because the condition was not as modern golfers expected. Coul will almost certainly be the same. If it happens, which is by no means certain, as Marty implies.

It's also interesting to note that the project's backers have pledged to collect seed from the native grasses and use that seed to repair divots, so no non-native grasses will ever find their way onto the golf course.

[David_Tepper]

"I’ll have a fiver on called in again, another public enquiry and refused again."

I think you are right. My theory is, as long as the Green Party is in the coalition keeping the SNP in power, they will have leverage to force a veto on projects like this.

[Adam Lawrence]

"I’ll have a fiver on called in again, another public enquiry and refused again."

I think you are right. My theory is, as long as the Green Party is in the coalition keeping the SNP in power, they will have leverage to force a veto projects like this.

Sources close to the project have indicated to me that they believe the Greens have less influence now than they did at the time of the first application. In any case, if it is called in, the most the Scottish Government can do is order another public inquiry. They cannot themselves veto it. Now, as my story says, a public inquiry would potentially be disastrous for the project, as it would require someone to find about half a million pounds to fund legal representation, which would be fearfully difficult for a community-funded group. But still...

[Ally Mcintosh]

It said that they pledge not to seed but to simply mow the native grasses. Is there any chance that could lead to a nice playable surface in that area? Are there any other courses that have never seeded?

I mean back in the day that's what everyone did. Sunningdale, in 1900, was the first course to be seeded. Huntercombe, built at the same time, was mowed out from the common land grasses that had been there for centuries. It will work fine, it is just likely to take time to refine the surface, especially given the other commitments about not using chemicals. If the course goes ahead, I expect it to be an old skool process -- it will not debut in fantastic condition, and will take time to get right. I think Machrihanish Dunes was the most recent course that was mowed out, and it took a pounding in its early days, partly because the condition was not as modern golfers expected. Coul will almost certainly be the same. If it happens, which is by no means certain, as Marty implies.

It's also interesting to note that the project's backers have pledged to collect seed from the native grasses and use that seed to repair divots, so no non-native grasses will ever find their way onto the golf course.

Both Carne and St Patrick’s had large areas that were mown out, more area with the former than the latter.


Much of the St Patrick’s areas were already mown as fairway from the previous courses.


Generally speaking, mowing out leads to a better playing surface if people can be patient for 5 years. Always better working with plants that are indigenous to the local environment.

[Thomas Dai]

RSPB Scotland - didn’t take long for them to rev up their campaign - https://twitter.com/RSPBScotland
Atb

[Tim Gallant]

How long does the government have to say whether they agree with the councillors, or call it in for an inquiry?

[Marty Bonnar]

How long does the government have to say whether they agree with the councillors, or call it in for an inquiry?

The norm (such as it is!) is 28 days, but that’s really just for SG officials to tell the local authority whether it intends to take any action. The inquiry process as we’ve seen before can take a looooong time.

[Tim Gallant]

How long does the government have to say whether they agree with the councillors, or call it in for an inquiry?

The norm (such as it is!) is 28 days, but that’s really just for SG officials to tell the local authority whether it intends to take any action. The inquiry process as we’ve seen before can take a looooong time.

Thanks Marty! Yes, I remember the inquiry taking a substantial time last go around. But good that the proposal will know if it is indeed heading for an inquiry or not by the beginning of the new year.

[Niall C]

"I’ll have a fiver on called in again, another public enquiry and refused again."

I think you are right. My theory is, as long as the Green Party is in the coalition keeping the SNP in power, they will have leverage to force a veto projects like this.

Sources close to the project have indicated to me that they believe the Greens have less influence now than they did at the time of the first application. In any case, if it is called in, the most the Scottish Government can do is order another public inquiry. They cannot themselves veto it. Now, as my story says, a public inquiry would potentially be disastrous for the project, as it would require someone to find about half a million pounds to fund legal representation, which would be fearfully difficult for a community-funded group. But still...

Adam


If the Scottish Ministers do call it in (almost certain they will IMO) and appoint a Reporter then from what I recall of planning legislation, the reporter can decide whether to have an enquiry or whether just to take submissions. The Reporter then makes their recommendation to the Scottish Ministers who make the final decision. I don't know the percentage but more often than not the Scottish Ministers go with the Reporters recommendation, but they can if they wish decide not to do so. Can't recall what happened last time.


As for the Greens, it's fair to say that the Greens/SNP partnership is fairly strained as the SNP implodes. It wouldn't surprise me if by the time the Reporter makes their recommendation it will be to a new Government.


Niall

[Thomas Dai]

Given what’s happening elsewhere on the east coast of Scotland any erosion etc effects seen or anticipated in the Coul/Embo/Loch Fleet area?
Atb

[Adam Lawrence]

"I’ll have a fiver on called in again, another public enquiry and refused again."

I think you are right. My theory is, as long as the Green Party is in the coalition keeping the SNP in power, they will have leverage to force a veto projects like this.

Sources close to the project have indicated to me that they believe the Greens have less influence now than they did at the time of the first application. In any case, if it is called in, the most the Scottish Government can do is order another public inquiry. They cannot themselves veto it. Now, as my story says, a public inquiry would potentially be disastrous for the project, as it would require someone to find about half a million pounds to fund legal representation, which would be fearfully difficult for a community-funded group. But still...

Adam


If the Scottish Ministers do call it in (almost certain they will IMO) and appoint a Reporter then from what I recall of planning legislation, the reporter can decide whether to have an enquiry or whether just to take submissions. The Reporter then makes their recommendation to the Scottish Ministers who make the final decision. I don't know the percentage but more often than not the Scottish Ministers go with the Reporters recommendation, but they can if they wish decide not to do so. Can't recall what happened last time.

As for the Greens, it's fair to say that the Greens/SNP partnership is fairly strained as the SNP implodes. It wouldn't surprise me if by the time the Reporter makes their recommendation it will be to a new Government.

Niall

Last time it went to a public inquiry. I hear what you're saying about the Scottish government. I have heard there are all sorts of rumours flying around Edinburgh...

[Adam Lawrence]

"I’ll have a fiver on called in again, another public enquiry and refused again."

I think you are right. My theory is, as long as the Green Party is in the coalition keeping the SNP in power, they will have leverage to force a veto projects like this.

Sources close to the project have indicated to me that they believe the Greens have less influence now than they did at the time of the first application. In any case, if it is called in, the most the Scottish Government can do is order another public inquiry. They cannot themselves veto it. Now, as my story says, a public inquiry would potentially be disastrous for the project, as it would require someone to find about half a million pounds to fund legal representation, which would be fearfully difficult for a community-funded group. But still...

Adam


If the Scottish Ministers do call it in (almost certain they will IMO) and appoint a Reporter then from what I recall of planning legislation, the reporter can decide whether to have an enquiry or whether just to take submissions. The Reporter then makes their recommendation to the Scottish Ministers who make the final decision. I don't know the percentage but more often than not the Scottish Ministers go with the Reporters recommendation, but they can if they wish decide not to do so. Can't recall what happened last time.

As for the Greens, it's fair to say that the Greens/SNP partnership is fairly strained as the SNP implodes. It wouldn't surprise me if by the time the Reporter makes their recommendation it will be to a new Government.

Niall

Last time it went to a public inquiry. I hear what you're saying about the Scottish government. I have heard there are all sorts of rumours flying around Edinburgh...

[JohnVDB]

Given what’s happening elsewhere on the east coast of Scotland any erosion etc effects seen or anticipated in the Coul/Embo/Loch Fleet area?
Atb

The area around the course is well protected by 15-20 foot high dunes that are quite substantial.

[David_Tepper]

From the coullinks.com website:

NEWS FLASH - 9 February 2024 - The Scottish Government has called in the Coul Links golf course application. Ministers "have given this Direction in view of the proposed development's potential impact on nationally and internationally important natural heritage assets and the need for an appropriate understanding of the scale and degree of potential economic benefits arising from the proposal". A Reporter will now be assigned. Details can be found at https://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?ID=124499 case number NA-270-10.     

[David_Tepper]

From the Northern Times:

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/communities-for-coul-disappointed-over-decision-by-scottis-341865/

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/conservation-coalition-welcome-scottish-governments-decisio-341858/   

Can't say any of this surprises me.

More:  https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/politics/6369898/ministers-call-in-plans-for-golf-course-on-protected-land/

[David_Tepper]

https://www.thenational.scot/news/24116051.fergus-ewing-backs-plans-golf-course-protected-scottish-beach/