Judy Murray wins the fight to construct a tennis and golf center after controversial plans from Scotland were accepted.
The Scottish tennis coach, 62, is behind plans to build a Sir Andy Murray Museum which will form part of a development of 19 luxury homes near to their hometown of Dunblane.
Stirling Council rejected this move before after residents objected to the construction on greenbelt land located between Dunblane, Bridge of Allan.
A petition was signed by more than 1500 people, and it was also opposed by local politicians.
However, developers appealed against the decision to Scottish Government. They have since overturned it.
A 18-hole championship golf course will be part of the development, as will a 4-star 150-bedroom hotel that can host events for corporate clients and coaching classes.
Judy Murray (pictured with her son Sir Andy Murray) has won a battle to build a tennis and golf centre after controversial plans were approved by the Scottish Government
Murray, aged 62, has been behind the project which will see a museum dedicated to Sir Andy built near Dunblane. Photo: Park of Keir Partners Plans
The Park of Keir is a partnership between Murray, Colin Montgomerie and the King Group, who see the park as the ‘perfect location’ to give ‘young people the best possible opportunity’ to try sports, according to the partnership’s website.
The tennis centre will pay tribute to Sir Andy while the golf centre will be in honour of Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie, with the website saying ‘two of Scotland’s most prominent sporting figures’ are behind the two sites.
A new community park of 150 acres will be built on the site. It will feature woodland walks and an adventure playground for kids. There will also a pitch all year for 5-aside football.
Dunblane Community Council, which opposed the scheme, said it was ‘very disappointed’ to learn Scottish ministers had granted permission for the Park of Keir development.
The Dunblane Community Council was also disappointed to hear that the Park of Keir has been granted permission by Scottish Ministers.
“It ignores many local concerns and makes a mockery out of the planning process.”
This concept design shows a site with an 18-hole and 150-bedroom golf course. It will also have a hotel that can host events for corporations and coaching classes.
The Park of Keir is a partnership between Murray, Colin Montgomerie (pictured) and the King Group, who see the park as the ‘perfect location’ to give ‘young people the best possible opportunity’ to try sports, according to the partnership’s website
Mark Ruskell of the Scottish Green said, “Gutted.” This move will endanger a historical landscape at Park of Keir that has been there for hundreds of years.
“This development is more about creating exclusive country mansions rather than real tennis heritage.”
The approval process is subject to 22 conditions.
According to the letter, this was to assure that homes are built as part a complete package of development rather than independently.
Another condition restricts the number of homes to 19, which is the minimum amount required for the support of the development.
Stirling Council previously rejected Murray’s plans, after residents objected to the building of greenbelt land on Dunblane-Bridge of Allan. Developers appealed to the Scottish Government, who overturned Murray’s decision
Timothy Brian, a Scottish reporter appointed by the government gave the go-ahead for the scheme. He stated: “Scottish Ministers concluded that the Park of Keir Development is of national and regional significance for Scottish Sport.”
“The tennis and golf centres proposed would be a significant contribution to the goal of increasing participation in these sports, while also offering facilities for the local community.
“There will be both economic and social benefits in the area, as well as greater economic opportunities for all.
“Scottish Ministers” also concluded that funding for the tennis and golf centres must be used to fund the development of enabling housing. This will ensure that all sports facilities can be made affordable to everyone.
Stirling Council spokesperson said, “Stirling Council acknowledged that the Scottish ministers had approved the application.”
Tennis Scotland, Park of Keir and Tennis Scotland were reached for comment.