Greens welcome Scottish Government refusal of controversial Coul Links golf course
Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed Coul Links golf course in East Sutherland, following years of campaigning over its impact on internationally important wildlife and habitats.
Ariane previously led a 4500 strong petition calling on the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning to review the controversial application.
Scottish Ministers have now refused planning permission, agreeing that the golf course would cause significant harm to Coul Links’ wildlife and habitats.
Ariane Burgess MSP said:
“I’m delighted that Scottish Ministers have refused planning permission for this destructive development and there are many local people who will be breathing a sigh of relief.
“Coul Links is an exceptionally important place for nature, with a unique range of habitats and wildlife found nowhere else in Scotland.
“Building a golf course on it would have been deeply damaging and completely at odds with Scotland’s commitments to protect nature.
“We can’t keep destroying our natural world in the name of profit. The proposed golf course would have caused huge damage to protected habitats and species, and the evidence did not show that this damage could be avoided or mitigated.
“I hope this decision gives reassurance to everyone who has worked so hard to protect Coul Links and the thousands of constituents who contacted me to share their concerns. It’s an important win for Scotland’s wildlife and nature.”