Rejected golf range plan now shelved

A disappointed Bannockburn businesswoman has completely shelved plans for a new golf driving range for the area.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Lianne Muirhead's application for the driving range, clubhouse and multi-purpose community space 250 metres east of Bridge Cottages was initially rejected by Stirling Council's planning panel in January 2024 when all but one councillor backed planning officials’ recommendation to refuse the bid.

The plans had attracted 11 individual objections plus others from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland.

However, a total of 38 submissions of support had also been lodged.

Council planners had backed objectors’ concerns, saying the proposals failed to protect the cultural significance of the Bannockburn Battlefield, as well as failed to protect landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield.

Most recently, the Scottish Government planning appeals reporter and then Scottish Ministers refused permission for the proposal, citing its impact on the battlefield - the same reason given for refusing a bid by a separate applicant for a trotting track on a neighbouring site.