Communities for Coul 'absolutely delighted' over planning approval for Coul Links
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Reaction has begun to come in following this morning’s decision by Highland councillors to approve the planning application for the Coul Links golf course.
Members of the North Planning Applications Committee voted 8:6 in favour of the controversial application.
Gordon Sutherland, director of Coul Links developer Communities for Coul, said: “We are absolutely delighted that, after careful consideration of the information presented to them, councillors have voted in favour of our application.
“Our plans, which have had the backing of local people from the outset, offer a genuine chance to create much-needed new employment opportunities in an area where the working age population is failing, threatening the future viability of fragile communities.
“They also provide a guaranteed future for the wonderful, wild coastal environment of Coul Links, which is currently sadly neglected and at risk.
“Local democracy has been at the heart of today’s decision, and we trust that will continue to be the case when Scottish Ministers come to consider our application.”
The application has to be referred to the Scottish Government because NatureScot, a statutory consultee, has objected.
East Sutherland and Edderton ward councillor Richard Gale proposed the motion to grant planning permission to the golf course. The motion was seconded by Cllr Ruraidh Stewart, Skye.
An amendment to refuse the application was moved by committee chairman Cllr Drew Millar, Skye, and seconded by Cllr Raymond Bremner, Wick and East Caithness.
