Scottish ministers extend their review period on Coul Links

Scottish Ministers have decided that they need more time to consider the controversial proposals for the golf course at Coul Links, near Embo.

The plans which threaten an internationally important wildlife site, were approved last month by Highland councillors despite recommendations for refusal by Council officials.

This led to Scottish Ministers having the opportunity to “call in” the planning application to reconsider the decision.

However, with just one day to go before the deadline to do this they have decided they need more time to consider the implications of the application and so have extended their review period for another 28 days.

There has been overwhelming public support to protect the internationally important wildlife site. A campaign involving many Scottish nature conservation organisations, including Buglife Scotland, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, the National Trust for Scotland, Plantlife Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust has already attracted more than 10,000 signatures while Highland Council received more than 1800 objections to the planning application.

However local residents are overwhelmingly in favour of the development with the possibility of jobs and the knock-on effect of increased visitors.

These organisations have welcomed the decision by ministers to allow more time to consider the details of this proposal.