Coul Links golf plans rejected by Scottish government planners

Development would cause ‘significant harm’ to environmental assets

Scottish government planners have rejected an appeal for a controversial world-class links golf course in the Highlands, arguing that it would cause “significant harm” to an internationally important area of natural environment.

The proposed Coul Links course has been one of the highest profile proposed golfing developments in recent years, with the plans sparking widespread debate.

Its supporters have argued that it would utilise just a small proportion of a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) between Golspie and Dornoch in eastern Sutherland, andl attract well-heeled golfers from the world over.

But opponents of the scheme have warned it would forever alter an ancient Highland wilderness, resulting in “ecological disaster.”

Councillors on Highland Council's north planning applications committee voted eight to six in favour of the scheme in December 2023, with Scottish ministers later calling in the application.

Now, the government’s planning and environmental appeals division has said it should be rejected.

The government reporters, David Buylla and Stuart West, concluded that the proposal was contrary to a number of development plan policies, and contrary overall to the development plan.

“Of particular importance to this conclusion is the policy presumption against the principle of developing such a significant proposal in the undeveloped coast and the significant harm the proposal would cause to environmental assets of national and international importance,” they stated.

The reporters said that there were “no material considerations” which would still justify granting planning permission, and recommended that the permission be refused.

They added that if ministers disagreed with their recommendation and were minded to grant planning permission, they recommended such a step should take heed of several conditions and the satisfactory completion of a habitat regulations appraisal.

But Communities for Coul, which brought forward the plans, criticised the decision.

Its director, Gordon Sutherland, said: “The ministers’ decision to reject our application for planning permission is a real blow for our area’s economy and its unique environment and a slap in the face for local democracy. It will be hugely disappointing and dispiriting for all the many people in East Sutherland that have supported our proposals from the outset.”