 |
 |
12 Sep 2014
Judy Murray's Park of Keir tennis and golf hub receives blow from planning officer’s report
By Chris Dodd
|
|
Murray is one of the members behind plans for the mixed-use development
Photo: LTA
|
|
A development group led by tennis coach Judy Murray, mother of star Andy Murray, has been dealt a blow after a prominent member of Stirling Council’s planning office said that it could not support plans for the creation of the Park of Keir sporting hub in Scotland.
Led by Murray and the King Group, the project is also backed by her son Andy and former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, as well as members of the sporting community, including official groups such as the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and Tennis Scotland.
The group submitted an application for planning back in July for the creation of the Park of Keir development, which would potentially feature a museum and visitor centre, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a golf course with clubhouse and practice areas, as well as a hotel housing leisure and conference facilities
There are also proposals for outdoor and indoor leisure offerings, as well as cycling and walking routes on the expansive site.
If built, the facility would be home to six indoor and six outdoor all weather tennis courts, with a practice wall, coaching suites, changing rooms, café with viewing gallery, shop and crèche.
The facilities would also be capable of hosting competitions and coaching courses for all levels, with outreach programmes being run to deliver tennis and golf into local schools and clubs.
However, in a recent 10-page report written by Claire Milne, principal planning officer at Stirling Council, concerns have been expressed about proposed high-end housing being built to help fund the project, which would potentially fail to cater for affordable housing needs in the area.
Objections have also come in the form of environmental issues, with the site being proposed on what is 110 hectares of farmland and woodland between Bridge of Allan and Dunblane. It is suggested that development could harm the distinct identity of the area.
In response, the developers plan to meet with the council to discuss the issues raised in the report, with council members considering the application at a later date, as the likelihood grows that Scottish ministers may make the final call on its future.
Murray has long been an advocate of looking to explore the development of grassroots tennis and other leisure activities, with the coach and captain of the British Fed Cup team exploring plans for a hub as far back as 2009 |
|
| back |
|
|
|
|
