NOT COUL STATEMENT11th JULY 2025Not Coul received a letter from the DPEA yesterday, requesting us to make further submissions in light of Scottish Government's updated Ramsar policy. This, in effect, re-opens the inquiry for a period of about a month during which all parties may make submissions and thereafter comment on each others' submissions. The inquiry will then be closed once more. We will be taking part in submissions. ...
NOT COUL STATEMENTIN REFERENCE TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE COUL LINKS INQUIRY 11TH-15TH NOVEMBER 2024Imagine you’re standing on one of the last untouched stretches of Scotland’s coast, where wild sand dunes provide shelter for 1,425 species and where the wetlands teem with life providing a sanctuary for birds. This is a place that has thrived without human intervention for thousands of years. Coul Links -- by any measure -- is a living, breathing biodiversity hotspot. Now imagine it gets covered by yet another golf course.Coul Links is not a blank canvas for developers to play around with. This is a triple protected sand-dune ecosystem. It’s a site of special scientific interest, and a special protection area for birds. The wetlands are recognised as world-class by the Ramsar Convention and we’re only beginning to understand its full ecological value. There’s evidence emerging which suggests that it could be one of the top sites for lichens in the UK, and that it functions as a carbon store.What's clear is that Coul Links contains over 6,000 years of unbroken natural history, virtually untouched since the last ice age. If you want to experience a true ancient Highland wilderness, Coul Links is as close as you’re going to get.Unlike other countries, like the US, where vast tracts of undeveloped land still exist, the UK’s biodiversity ranking is shockingly low. We simply don’t have many wild places left. Coul Links is one of the last intact dune systems in our country that has escaped golf development. We understand this is precisely the reason the developer wants to slap a golf course on it, but Scotland has around 100 links courses already, and six of those are within 20 minutes drive of Coul Links.Building a golf course on wild land is an idea straight out of the 19th century, and that’s just not good enough for the world we live in today. If we are going to boost biodiversity, we need to be more ambitious and more entrepreneurial about how we relate to nature going forward. And that begins with upholding the protections at sites like Coul Links.If we can’t uphold the laws that protect our natural assets or follow planning guidelines, then we’re not in a good place as a society. We cannot allow globe-trotting billionaire speculators to cherry-pick Scotland’s most unique and special places to build elitist golf courses on. Donald Trump was allowed to do it. That mistake cannot be repeated by letting it happen again at Coul Links.Not Coul is an evidence-based local campaign group standing against the golf course at the public inquiry. We’ve gathered local voices and some of the world’s top scientists, ecologists and experts together, all of whom agree that this is an inappropriate place for development of any sort and we would suggest there is plenty of room for a golf course outside of the protected area at Coul Links.Coul Links is an ecosystem like no other. And once it’s gone, it’s gone. Together with the other objecting parties, we’ll be doing our utmost at inquiry to protect it for future generations. ...
NOT COUL BULLETINEXPERTS, POLITICIANS, LANDLORD AND CITIZENS GEAR UP FOR COUL LINKS INQUIRYHearing statements for the upcoming inquiry into the controversial golf course plan on a triple protected dune system have been lodged by parties for and against the proposal.Communities 4 Coul’s application for a golf course on Coul Links, which is linked to billionaire golf developer Mike Keiser, was granted by Highland Councillors in December, against the advice of their own planners and the statutory objection of NatureScot. Subsequently it was called in by Scottish Ministers for a final decision.Contesting the application is local evidence-based campaign group Not Coul, along with the Conservation Coalition which represents seven conservation charities with NatureScot also objecting.It is the second government inquiry into a golf plan at Coul and hearings will take place 11th-15th November at the Old Schoolhouse in Embo.A plethora of experts, business people, councillors, politicians and members of the public are scheduled to give evidence.Arguing against the proposal is coastal ecologist and leader of local evidence-based campaign group Not Coul, Dr Tom Dargie. Dr Chris Ellis of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh will also be making the case against the golf course as will Prof Jim Hansom, a coastal erosion expert who warned against the controversial Donald Trump golf development at Menie. Also making statements against the development on ecological grounds are Dr Theo Loizou and Chris Cathrine.Prof J J Lennon, founder of the Moffat Center, which is the UK's largest tourism research institute, will contest the developers on their socio-economic claims as laid out by Prof David Bell of Stirling University. Edward Able-Smith, the landowner of Coul Links, will also signal his support for the golf plan.Elected representatives will weigh in too, with Ariane Burgess MSP making statements against the proposal in two hearing sessions. Veteran politician Jamie Stone MP will pledge his support for the golf course which, if granted, will be built on land protected for its remarkable natural assets.The evening session, intended for members of the public to voice their concerns, will be held in the evening of the 14th of November. Among the speakers for the proposal is a councillor from Brora, the provost and a back catalogue of retired provosts. Two further speakers are directors of the applicant, C4C.The speakers against the golf course at the public evening session are overwhelmingly local, coming from a diverse range of backgrounds and who stand to lose the enjoyment of an intact, ancient wilderness. Among them is a falconer, two artists, several golfers and a greenkeeper. ...
NOT COUL BULLETINCOUL LINKS INQUIRY NEARS KEY HEARING AS POLICY SUBMISSIONS REVEAL BATTLE LINESAs the controversial Coul Links inquiry approaches critical hearing sessions on 11 November 2024, key stakeholders have been submitting important written evidence.Recently, at the request of the Planning and Environment Appeals Division (DPEA), parties filed Further Written Submissions (FWS) addressing the topic “policy, guidance, and statutory context." Based on these submissions, the DPEA will decide if an additional hearing session is necessary on this topic.Not Coul’s submission underscored the need for the inquiry to consider the Scottish Government’s upcoming revised policy on designated Ramsar Convention wetland sites. They also argued that Highland Council’s new Biodiversity Enhancements Planning Guidance should apply, requiring a 10% biodiversity increase if the golf development proceeds—something the developers have not demonstrated to date.www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=1027311The applicant, meanwhile, referenced Scottish Government policies on population strategy, claiming the development would stem Highland depopulation. They also mentioned the housing emergency to justify the project, stating that affordable homes would be built.www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=1027320During a round of subsequent comments, Not Coul pointed out that affordable homes were neither part of the application, nor of any other planning application in the vicinity. They also highlighted that there was no detail given on how the development would address local or regional population decline.www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=1031852The DPEA decision on whether these policy concerns will be thoroughly examined in a hearing session is expected soon. The agenda for hearing sessions on ecology and socio-economics has already been set. ...
NOT COUL BULLETINAGENDA SET FOR COUL LINKS INQUIRYThe Scottish Government’s DPEA has released the finalised agenda for the main topics of the inquiry into the golf links proposal at Coul Links. This allows applicant and objectors to prepare their answers in time for the inquiry Hearing Sessions which will take place in Embo (TBC) from 11th November 2024.Amongst the many ecological matters, the DPEA reporters intend to find out why the applicant had not supplied the objecting parties with their maps as required; wether the applicant would be able to operate the course without under-grounding the high voltage cable lines (for which they have no planning permission); how the applicant would protect the course from coastal erosion and wether a world class playing surface can be created simply by mowing existing vegetation.The socio-economic argument will also be examined, with reporters looking for hard evidence on the promised economic benefits, and the likelihood of the golf course arresting the outflow of young people from Sutherland as claimed by the developer.There will be a total of five sessions on ecological matters and one session discussing the socio-economic case. 11.11.24 Hearing 1A: Effects on SSSI sand dune habitats. This session will examine the direct and indirect habitat effects, likely effects on specific habitats, habitat fragmentation, the effects of construction and operation on the ecosystem, and the efficacy of the proposed mitigation measures.View full agenda here: www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=102608311.11.24 Hearing 1B: Effects on SSSi breeding bird assemblage. Here the reporters will ask about the effects on important bird species, and the efficacy of the applicant’s planned mitigating measures.View full agenda here: www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=102608412.11.24 Hearing 1C: Effect on invertebrate assemblage. Similarly, reporters will inquire on the effects on rare butterflies and other insects, including the Fonseca’s Seed Fly which is a species not found anywhere else in the world.View full agenda here: www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=102608512.11.24 Hearing 1D: Effects on plant assemblage including SSSI species. Reporters will hear evidence on the effects on species of interest including vascular plants, lichens, bryophytes, fungi and dune juniper.View full agenda here: www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=102608713.11.24 Hearing 1E: Disturbance and habitat loss effects on the Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet SPA and Moray Firth SPA. Here the focus is on the SPA designation with questions on the effects of habitat loss and deterioration, disturbance effects and efficacy of mitigation measures.View full agenda here: www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=102608814.11.24 Hearing 2: Tourism and socio economics. Here the parties will give evidence on the demand for golf, the projected socio-economic benefits of the proposal, the importance of clustering, and the likely effects of such a development on the demographics of the area.View full agenda here: www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/Document.aspx?id=1026089...
NOT COUL IN THE HERALDNEW LANARK NOT A FITTING COMPARISON FOR THIS DYSTOPIAN GOLF VISIONOn 25th May, The Herald published a bizarre article based on an interview with Edward Able Smith, landowner of Coul Links. In it, his "pledge" to build an "eco-hotel" houses and crofts, was likened to New Lanark, the 19th century economic utopia.His plans for housing and crofts, however, are just ideas, and are not part of the planning application for the golf course at Coul Links. He has no planning applications for housing or crofts. He has planning for an "eco-hotel", which he will only build, he says, if a golf course is built on the triple-protected natural wilderness at Coul Links.We wrote to The Herald and they published this article in response....
NOT COUL IN THE NATIONALCOUL LINKS 2: TEED OFFScottish Government inquiry into the golf course proposal has officially begun. Hearings will take place from 11th November. A decision will likely come early 2025....
NOT COUL IN THE NORTHERN TIMESSCOT GOV FIRES STARTING GUN ON 2024 COUL LINKS GOLF COURSE INQUIRY.Along with other objectors, such as the members of the Conservation Coalition, Not Coul will be giving evidence at the inquiry on the ecological implications of this proposal. We will also be the only objecting party to challenge the developers on their socio-economic claims....
NOT COUL BULLETINDATE SET FOR SCOT GOV INQUIRY HEARINGS INTO GOLF COURSE PLAN AT COUL LINKSThe Planning and Environment Appeals Division (DPEA) will gather evidence for and against the golf course plan at Coul Links in form of hearings in the week commencing the 11th November 2024.In a week-long appearance in the locality (venue to be announced), the DPEA reporters will convene a number of discussions on a variety of topics.There will be three days of hearings on the ecological impacts. This may include coastal erosion, which is already affecting the golf course plan.There will be one day of hearings on the socio-economic arguments, as well as a half-day on planning policy context and a half-day on draft conditions, wether the plan goes ahead or not.There will also be a community evening session of around 2-3 hours which will take place on the 14th November. Depending on how many people register to take part, the reporters may split the session into two, one for supporters and one for objectors.The Not Coul team is preparing to contest the ecological and socio-economic arguments, set out by the developers. Other objectors include the Conservation Coalition led by the RSPB. Highland Council and NatureScot will also give evidence. ...
NOT COUL BULLETINFIRST MEETING BETWEEN THE DEVELOPERS AND OBJECTORS OF THE COUL LINKS GOLF COURSE PLAN SETS SHAPE OF UPCOMING INQUIRYThe pre-examination meeting of the upcoming governmental inquiry into the Coul Links golf plan took place today.It is the first time representatives of the developers, objectors and the adjudicating Scottish Government, met since the plan was called in by Scottish Ministers.Inquiry reporters David Buylla and Stuart West, will report their findings and make their recommendation to Scottish Ministers at the end of the inquiry proceedings.In attendance were the legal representatives of the developers C4C, NatureScot, Highland Council, the Conservation Coalition, and Not Coul, amongst others. Mr Buylla and Mr West set out administration and procedural rules, but also gathered reactions to the proposed topics to be examined, which were made public last week.There was some discussion on how the ecological impacts of the course should be assessed by the reporters. James Findlay representing C4C posited that a hearing session would be sufficient to discuss the ecological impacts of the plan, while Louise Cockburn representing the Conservation Coalition and Simon Crabb representing Not Coul contended that a cross examination into the ecological impact is paramount in discovering knowledge gaps in this case. Ms Cockburn also made the point SPA and Ramsar designations also have to be taken into consideration alongside the impacts on the SSSI. Reporter Buylla broadly agreed with this, saying that widening the scope to cover the details of the ecology on the site is necessary. He stopped short, however, of confirming a full blown cross-examination at this stage, and suggested reporters may use an extended “super hearing” to gather evidence instead.There was also discussion on how to address the topic of tourism and the socio-economic impact. Mr Crabb advocated for an inquiry session into this and confirmed that Not Coul were the only objecting party fielding an economic expert to hold the claims of the developer's economist to account. The Highland Council’s representative signalled his interest in this being heard at an expanded hearing, while developer representative Mr Findlay KC opined that a slimmed down hearing would be sufficient.Coastal erosion was not initially slated by the reporters as a topic for examination, however there was considerable discussion as to its relevance. Simon Crabb drew attention to the severe erosion that happened during winter and has already affected the plan of the golf course, as was widely reported in the press last month. He argued that because of ongoing change and new gathered data, the topic ought to be examined in some form, preferably through cross examination. James Findlay responded that his client, C4C, is willing to take the risk of having to re-apply for planning permission in the face of any coastal erosion effects on the current plan. The reporters indicated that they would prefer not to open up another line of inquiry into this topic and instead may incorporate it into the extended hearing on ecology.Similarly, hydrology was cited by the Conservation Coalition and Not Coul as being instrumental in understanding the unique ecology of the site. In response, Mr Findlay stated there was no basis whatsoever to consider this. Reporters Buylla, however took the view that it is a topic that should be heard, and slated it for inclusion into the ecology session.Discussion on the evening community input session produced a lively interchange between various parties. Jerry Bishop stated that a community session ought to allow locals to be heard, and suggested that people from further afield are not the ideal people to present views at such a session. Simon Crabb suggested that a clear definition of what local means would be helpful. Peter Batten stated he had no objection to a local session which involved residents of the IV25 postcode only. Dr Tom Dargie pointed out that a portion of Coul Links lies within the postcode assigned to Golspie, and that residents there, and indeed Tain, may also be considered local. Mr Buylla reiterated that a community session should be open to all and anyone that wants to come, but in wake of the discussion is considering holding two sessions, one for anyone who wants to come, and the other for local residents.Towards the end of the PEM, it was agreed that the Public Examination would take place in Embo Trust if technology allows for remote participation at that venue. Also to be confirmed is the exact start date of the Public Examination and any connected site visits, with the 11th November 2024 being pencilled in as a provisional start date, subject to confirmation of all participating parties.A note of the Pre-Examination Meeting outlining the finalised format of the inquiry will be made public in a few days. ...
NOT COUL IN THE TIMESCOASTAL EROSION MAKES COUL LINKS GOLF PLAN RISKY BUSINESSWith the planned 17th fairway and the 18th back tee now just over 3 meters from the edge, the so-called "construction corridor", an area around the fairways tees and greens, has already been eroded. This already makes construction of the planned course unstable and unsafe, if not impossible. ...
NOT COUL ON FRONT PAGE OF THE NORTHERN TIMESRISKY COUL LINKS GOLF PLAN SLUMPING INTO THE SEAIt's now official: a golf course at Coul Links is risky business. Data gathered by Not Coul backs up Dynamic Coast and Glasgow University predictions on the rapid advance of coastal erosion at Coul Links.Placing a golf course on an area at risk of coastal erosion will immediately put it on the list of endangered golf courses along with Golspie, Royal Dornoch, Fortrose, Montrose, St. Andrews, and many more.The developers claim the process will reverse. Where is their data to back that up? This plan is a recipe for financial disaster, one that the local area can do without. ...
NOT COUL IN THE NATIONALBREATHTAKING AERIAL FOOTAGE SHOWS WHY THIS UNIQUE WETLAND HABITAT AND GOLF JUST DON'T MIXUnlike other links, one of the unique characteristics of Coul Links is its extensive dune slacks that flood much of the area from late Autumn to early Spring. With winters getting wetter, it's quite likely the flooding season will extend in future. For anyone who is crunching the numbers right now, this will mean less tee times, less golfers and less income. ...
NOT COUL IN THE SCOTSMANCLIMATE CHANGE ALREADY AFFECTING COUL LINKS GOLF COURSE PROPOSALMany of Scotland's most golf courses, such as Golspie, Fortrose and Montrose, have again been battling hard against the effects of climate change this winter. If a golf course was built at Coul Links, it would immediately join that list. ...
A rare sand dune site that is earmarked for a new ‘world-class’ golf course on the north-east coast of Scotland could be washed into the sea before the first players tee off because of climate cha...
NOT COUL OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASECOUL LINKS GOLF PLANS IN COASTAL EROSION CRISISThe planned golf course at Coul Links near Dornoch is already beginning to be washed away even before a decision on the application is made.The Moray Firth area on the east coast of Scotland is increasingly affected by climate change, with more frequent and intense storms, compounded by sea level rise. Near Coul Links, Golspie's golf course has experienced multiple instances of flooding and erosion during recent winters, with damage and breaches in coastal protection measures. Fortrose, Montrose and St. Andrew’s golf courses have all reported considerable erosion and/or damage to their seaward defences.After little change since a storm surge in 2012, there has been considerable erosion at Coul this winter. Although storms Babet and Ciarán caused significant erosion in their own right, they seem also to have triggered a trend of continuing erosion in normal conditions. A tall dune cliff now extends north from the Embo slipway to near the mouth of Loch Fleet. Slumping on the dune face follows in the days after erosion events. The dune edge has retreated significantly inland.Not Coul has monitored the dune edge and dune foot retreat since 2018 by taking successive readings with highly accurate industry-standard positioning systems. This data will be made available to the inquiry. At this moment the eroding dune edge is only 3.15 and 3.40 metres from the closest parts of the proposed golf course, at Hole 17 and the back tee of Hole 18, respectively,. Erosion is also just 10 metres from Hole15.This Not Coul work shows that part of the actual C4C course could slip into the sea by the time the 2024 inquiry into the golf course plan begins. At present the ground around the 17th fairway and 18th back tee is already unsafe for construction and landscaping due to very recent erosion. More than 4,000 tonnes of sand from within the golf course construction footprint has already been lost since November. Not Coul maintains C4C's planning application is already seriously affected by erosion making it impossible to construct the course in its planned form....
Coul Links Golf Plan in Coastal Erosion CrisisThe planned golf course at Coul Links near Dornoch is already beginning to be washed away even before a decisio...
NOT COUL BULLETINSCOT GOV ANNOUNCES "BIODIVERSITY VS GOLF COURSE" INQUIRY TO BEGIN PROCEEDINGSThe Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has set the date for the Coul Links golf course inquiry Pre-Examination Meeting (PEM) for 11am, Monday 13th May 2024.The appointed reporters will chair the PEM to establish the topics to be assessed and the mix of formats in which they will be considered — this will include hearing sessions and a Public Examination. Written submissions were not mentioned in the announcement. Administrative arrangements will be set out.Not Coul will be at that meeting to state its intention to contend the development and will put forward its team of expert witnesses.The PEM will, in effect, fire the starting gun on the inquiry. For around 32-35 weeks the developers and the opposition will make their play in scheduled hearings during which there is no cross-examination.At the end of that period, a Public Examination which includes cross-examination will take place, before the reporters come to a final decision. The date and venue for this final round will be announced after the PEM.If you received a letter from the DPEA asking if you wish to participate but feel that Not Coul represents your view, then you do not need to reply. Not Coul will do that for you. This will save the DPEA considerable resources. The public will be allowed to attend and details on how will follow. ...
NOT COUL OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASENOT COUL SUPPLIES MORE DETAIL ON COUL LINKS GOLF PLANNING IRREGULARITYOn 26th February 2024, the Northern Times reported on Not Coul’s claim of procedural irregularity during a Coul Links golf course planning committee which took place on 6th December 2023.The focal point of contention centred on an essential document referred to as the Appropriate Assessment (AA). This document, mandated by Policy 4b of National Planning Framework 4 as well as the Highland Council’s Local Plan, is required to be conducted by the Highland Council in its capacity as 'competent authority', and after consultation with NatureScot.The assessment specifically pertains to European sites, namely the Dornoch Firth & Loch Fleet and the Moray Firth Special Protection Areas. Its contents must include statements delineating the qualifying interests and conservation objectives of these sites. Moreover, the assessment must provide an audit trail showcasing the Highland Council's decision-making process, culminating in conclusions regarding the potential impact of any planning applications on site integrity. Crucially, this evidence must withstand scientific scrutiny, providing a robust foundation for the Council's conclusions.This required content is set out under advice on Habitats Regulations Appraisal, available on the NatureScot website: Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) | NatureScot. Not Coul maintains that the importance of the AA is so significant, that it should be accessible to both planning committee members and the public well in advance of any meeting. Delegates of Not Coul and others in attendance at the meeting were surprised by the conspicuous absence of the document in the run-up to its production. Subsequently, upon acquisition of a copy of the AA, Not Coul found it to contain a raft of errors, some of them significant enough to call procedures at the meeting into question. The AA document appeared to be based only on old, out-of-date information. A first iteration makes reference to Scottish National Heritage, with no mention of NatureScot. A second iteration cited advice (Circular 6/1995) which permits use of information supplied by SNH, the applicant and published information. However, it should be noted that Circular 6/1995 was withdrawn some time ago by the Scottish Government as a planning advice note. Additionally, the document bore striking resemblance to the AA document supporting the failed 2017 Coul Links Golf application.These revelations were first revealed by Not Coul on the 20th of February 2024 during a Scottish Parliament event hosted by charity Planning Democracy which set out to examine and assess the efficacy of the National Planning Framework. 11 MSPs were present at the packed event, including Maree Todd and Arianne Burgess.Confirming some aspects of Not Coul's assertions, a spokesperson from Highland Council acknowledged that the AA was not furnished until the last possible moment. Furthermore, the Council, although initially citing SNH in the document, defended its decision to base part of the AA on NatureScot advice, refuting any allegations of procedural irregularity in this regard.In response, Not Coul has published the AA with a couple of annotations on their Facebook page. Not Coul's scrutiny highlights a shocking blunder in the document, which apparently went completely unnoticed during the procedure: incredibly, the text urges for more disturbance to birdlife, and is thus in clear contravention of the conservation objectives of the SPA.A second annotation identifies a specific irregularity, the copied NatureScot text, within the AA conclusion. Moreover, Not Coul pointed out in the Facebook post that the format of the document deviates from the required AA guidelines available on the NatureScot website. Not Coul’s Dr. Tom Dargie drew parallels between the current Assessment and its counterpart from the 2019 Coul Links golf inquiry. He suggested that if the Assessment had been conducted accurately, it could have had decisive implications for the 2017 planning application, potentially rendering the subsequent 2019 inquiry unnecessary. Highlighting discrepancies between the Council's 2018 Assessment and that of the 2019 inquiry, Dr. Dargie hinted at the possibility of a similar outcome in the present scenario. ...
NOT COUL IN THE NORTHERN TIMESHIGHLAND COUNCIL RESPONDS TO NOT COUL'S CONCERNS OVER PLANNING PROCEDURESNorthern Times runs our story about the Appropriate Assessment document mentioned in previous post. In the article, the Highland Council responds, claiming nothing irregular with their process. ...
NOT COUL OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASENPF4 SCRUTINISED AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT EVENT: NOT COUL UNVEILS CONTROVERSIAL IRREGULARITY IN THE COUL LINKS GOLF PLANNING PROCESSOn 20th February 2024, Not Coul took centre stage at the Scottish Parliament event titled "NPF4: Is it Working for People and Planet?" The event, orchestrated by the charity Planning Democracy, united MSPs, ministers, officials, and the general public to scrutinize the efficacy of NPF4. With Arianne Burgess MSP as the host and Highland MSP Maree Todd in attendance alongside nine other MSPs, the room was brimming with participants, outstripping its supply of chairs.During the discussion, Dr. Tom Dargie and John Campbell KC from Not Coul grabbed attention by revealing a potential illegal irregularity during the Coul Links planning committee meeting at the Highland Council on 6th December. This revelation, coupled with passionate and compelling testimonies from various campaigns across Scotland, underscored the widespread neglect in adhering to NPF4 guidelines by many local authorities—a sentiment corroborated by Planning Democracy's research findings.John Campbell KC also highlighted the ongoing attempts by a handful of MSPs and one MP to influence the outcome of the Coul Links call-in, a process clearly set out by established Planning Law and accepted procedures. He suggested that their noisy tactics were at odds with the restraints on Councillors, and emphasized the importance of respecting the prescribed protocols on pending applications. He urged them to trust in the established system to fulfil its obligations impartially.Not Coul is pleased to have been part of this debate and thanks Planning Democracy for their excellent work. The robust presence of MSPs indicated a growing awareness and concern within the political sphere regarding the implementation of NPF4. The event served as a platform to highlight the pressing need for stricter enforcement and oversight, not to mention training and resourcing to ensure that NPF4 genuinely serves the interests of both the people and the planet it aims to protect. ...
