Ministers rein in trotting track bid

Scottish Ministers have rejected two significant planning applications for Whins of Milton, citing their impact on the Bannockburn battlefield.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Controversial plans for a trotting track - and a separate bid for a golf driving range - have now been refused, having been called in by Ministers.

But - while the driving range plans had also failed to find support from the Scottish Government's independent planning appeals reporter - the trotting track plans had been recommended for conditional approval by the same department before Ministers vetoed the move.

The harness racing experts had argued that the track application, lodged by Mr H Muirhead for land west of New Line Road and south of Fairhill Road, was vital to safeguard the future of their sport.

But the proposals also attracted strong objections from those concerned about protection of the battlefield and views from the nearby Battle of Bannockburn Centre and rotunda.

In their decision, Ministers said they disagreed with the reporter's findings “that the proposed development would not have significant effects on the battlefield or listed buildings and that it accords overall with the development plan”.

The Ministers added: “The proposed development would introduce new development and urbanisation into one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield and it would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place.”

They also said it would “detract from the prominence of the listed buildings”.