Approving plans to build ‘executive housing’ to fund a £3.6m golf club expansion will make new Scottish Government legislation to address the climate crisis "meaningless", councillors have been warned.
Dunbar Golf Club and Cala Homes applied for planning permission to build a total of 78 new houses on land next to its course to allow it to expand its facilities including a new clubhouse, golf academy and driving range.
The move, which was backed by East Lothian Council planners, was originally granted planning approval last year, however new Scottish Government legislation, the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), saw it brought back before councillors, on Tuesday, for redetermination.
And while community representatives renewed concerns about the loss of wild land which will be used for the new development and impact on the coastline, officers ruled it met the conditions of NPF4 and could go ahead.
Tony Thomas, agent for the project developers, told a meeting of the council’s planning committee that it had community support, reading out statements from local community representatives.
Mr Thomas said the club was involved in the local community, supporting school links and raising funds for local charities.
He quoted Gareth Hill, East Lothian Council active schools co-ordinator for the local area, as saying: “The club has been extensively involved in growing golf in our community via their involvement with Dunbar Primary School and over 350 P1-P3 pupils have enjoyed an introduction to the sport.”
And he quoted the head of Dunbar Trades Association also supporting the proposals.
However, the committee heard representatives of both Dunbar and West Barns Community Councils, which objected to the plans.
Alasdair Swan, from Dunbar Community Council, said the loss of community space for housing to enable the golf club to build new facilities would not benefit the wider community, arguing that the plans flew in the face of NPF4 intentions.
He told the committee: “If East Lothian Council chooses to approve this proposal, it will set the NPF4 compliance bar so low as to make the intent and vision of NPF4 in addressing the climate crisis that confronts us meaningless for all future developments in East Lothian.”
And Jacquie Bell, for West Barns Community Council, said: “East Lothian Council has declared a climate emergency. I am asking members to protect this green space for future generations and make sure it is available to the whole community, not just those who buy the houses or members of the private golf club.”
However, local Dunbar ward councillor Donna Collins welcomed the plans for the golf club, saying it would benefit the economy of the town.
"It is a good thing for the economy as a whole and for the hotel and hospitality trades who are really struggling right now.”
The committee approved the plans by seven votes to two.
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