Concerns have been expressed by environmental groups about the new plans to build a golf course at Coul Links, Sutherland.
In 2020, the Scottish government rejected plans for an 18-hole championship golf course in the area of coast dunes.
Communities For Coul (C4C), has revived the idea, arguing that a course would create much-needed jobs.
Seven environmental organizations have formed a coalition to express concern about the possible impact.
C4C stated that it hoped environmental concerns would be addressed as it works towards a full application for planning, but also stressed economic benefits.
RSPB Scotland and National Trust for Scotland had previously campaigned for the golf plans.
They are concerned that the current location, between Golspie & Dornoch, is the same as in the previous application. This area has dunes and is home for a wide variety of wildlife. It is designated as a site of scientific special interest.
Bruce Wilson from the Scottish Wildlife Trust described the situation to be “incredibly disappointing”.
He said: “We are really concerned that the internationally-protected Coul Links is once again under threat from a golf course.
“The significant impact it would have on the Scottish government led the Scottish government to reject the proposal that was made in February 2020.
“Since then part of the dunes in Menie, where Donald Trump was permitted to build a course, have lost their protected status because of damage caused by another insensitive developer.”
He said, “Developers should not be seeking environmentally destructive proposals that place Scotland’s special places of wildlife at risk.”
He stated that the coalition members would carefully consider the proposals before making comments.
Gordon Sutherland (director of C4C) stated: “Local residents are most certainly in favor of this development – that gave us the mandate for making a second planning request.
“We are trying to address the environment, but also the social economic aspects.
“The economic benefits this course will bring to their communities is what drives the support from the local communities,” I believe.
Todd Warnock, a US businessman, was the original architect of Coul Links’ course. He secured permission from Highland Council before Scottish ministers requested further scrutiny.
After a public inquiry, government officials refused permission.
The Scottish ministers stated that the plan would have promoted economic growth and rural development in their decision.
They agreed with the government’s planning officials that the course would have significant effects on rare plants, wintering and breeding birds, and the dunes.
