New Coul Links golf course recommended for refusal

Ramblers Scotland has raised concerns about damage to the natural environment and access to paths

Plans for a golf course at Coul Links in Sutherland have been recommended for refusal by Highland Council planning officials.

The coastal site near Embo has a number of environmental designations, and previous proposals for an 18-hole course were refused permission in 2020.

The developers, Communities for Coul Limited (C4C), say they want to create a world-class course which would attract more visitors to the area.

Highland Council planning officers said the project had substantial local support and could bring economic benefits, but added that concerns remained about its environmental impact.

The officials said changes had been made to earlier proposals that were rejected by the Scottish government following a public inquiry.

But they added that the revisions had “fallen short” and recommended that councillors refuse the plans at a meeting next week.

C4C said the golf course would help the economy and play a part in reversing depopulation in the local area.

In March, Ramblers Scotland said it was concerned about damage to the natural environment and restrictions on a walking route.