Andy Murray legacy plans approved despite strong opposition
The ‘Andy Murray’ effect on tennis in Scotland has been given a huge boost from the approval of a new state-of-the-art tennis centre near to the former world No.1’s home town of Dunblane, but not without fierce resistance
The announcement of planning approval for a “grassroots tennis and golf destination” on Park of Keir, south of Dunblane was first put forward 8 years ago and backed by Murray’s mother Judy but it’s taken until now for the plans to be approved by the Scottish government.
The project had originally been blocked but this new ruling has delighted Judy who said in an interview with The Scotsman, “It will be a centre of national significance for our sport and a bricks and mortar legacy for what Jamie and Andy have achieved, but its focus is to inspire and encourage many more people from all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get up, get out and get active. That can only be a good thing, especially as we begin to emerge from the pandemic and think about how best to rebuild and become a happier, healthier nation.”
However the local Dunblane Community Council has attacked the plans saying, “(We are) very disappointed to learn today that Scottish Ministers have granted planning permission to the Park of Keir development. It is a decision which ignores widespread local concerns and makes a mockery of the planning process.”
Dunblane Community Council is very disappointed to learn today that Scottish Ministers have granted planning permission to the Park of Keir development. It is a decision which ignores widespread local concerns and makes a mockery of the planning process.
— Dunblane Community Council (@DunblaneCC) December 20, 2021
The government ruling stated that the project “would make an important contribution to the aim of increasing participation in both sports while providing facilities for the community. There will also be economic benefits, to the local area and more widely”.
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