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Protecting sites in Scotland
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Home > Our work > Conservation > Protecting wildlife sites > Protecting sites in Scotland > Menie Estate Golf Development
Menie Estate Golf Development
In November 2006, Trump International Golf Links Scotland (TIGLS) submitted a planning application for a golf course and resort development at Menie Estate, just north of Aberdeen. In addition to two golf courses with associated structures, TIGLS sought permission for a large hotel, 500 houses and 1,000 holiday homes. RSPB Scotland objected to the Trump International application because of the destruction it could cause to Foveran Links, one of our nationally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – a fragile dune system described as ‘unparalleled in Great Britain’. The developer's own Environmental Statement acknowledges that there will be very significant adverse effects on habitats and biodiversity - the mobile dunes which form one of the main qualifying features of the Foveran Links SSSI will be destroyed by the stabilisation necessary to build one golf course. This is one of the very best examples of a mobile dune system in the country and SSSI designation should offer such a site a very high level of protection. There are also other habitats, bird populations and further biodiversity interests which are threatened by this development. The developer's own Environmental Statement acknowledges that there will be very significant adverse effects on habitats and biodiversity... Aberdeenshire Council, who initially dealt with the application, considered that the adverse environmental effects outweighed the proposed employment and economic benefits and that there was no case for overturning development plan policies by issuing a consent. In an unprecedented move, before the Council had issued a notice of refusal, Ministers called in the application for their own determination, as they judged the matter to raise issues of importance requiring consideration at a national level. A Public Local Inquiry was held earlier this summer into the application. RSPB Scotland gave evidence, jointly with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Botanical Society of the British Isles. We urged the Reporters to suggest refusal or, if they were minded to recommend consent, to attach a condition that no development should take place on the SSSI or the mobile dune system in the southern part of the site. We asked respected Scottish golf course architect Mike Wood to show how a possible championship level course could be built, without destroying the protected sand dunes at Foveran Links SSSI, which are an invaluable piece of natural heritage. His study (see link) was submitted to the Public Inquiry as a potential way forward. It became clear from the evidence heard at the Inquiry that:
A Report, with recommendation, is to be published in autumn and Cabinet Secretary John Swinney MSP has indicated he will make a final decision within a further 28 days. RSPB Scotland firmly believes that if Ministers are minded to grant consent for this proposal they should do so with the condition that no development takes place in the SSSI or on the dynamic sand dome to the south of the application site. We do not object to the principle of golf, or other development, at this location but this must not be at the cost of the destruction of the SSSI. Consenting this application would not only be contrary to development plan policies protecting important sites for wildlife, but also to policies on housing, development on the coast and others. What you can do You still have time to speak out against this development, and help ensure our network of protected sites is not undermined. Please take part in our e-action to urge John Swinney, the Minister responsible for making this decision, to ensure that the SSSI is protected. Alternatively, you can write to the Planning Minister, Scottish Government, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ urging him to ensure the SSSI is protected. If you do write, please send a copy of your letter and any response you receive to RSPB Scotland, FREEPOST EH2369, Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH4 0BR or e-mail: campaigns.scotland@rspb.org.uk You can use these same details to contact us about this development.
What can I do?Send a message urging Scottish Ministers to prevent unnecessary and avoidable damage to a fragile dune system Last modified: 14 August 2008 |
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Minsmere RSPB Reserve, general view of Boomacre Mere - David Tipling (rspb-images.com)
Hummingbird hawkmoth - Steve Round
Tree sparrow perched on branch in woodland - Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1018091)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)