PLANS for a purpose-built tennis and golf complex on the outskirts of Dunblane have been rejected by planners.
The proposals, backed by Judy Murray and Colin Montgomerie, were thrown out today in a 5-3 vote by Stirling Council's Planning and Regulation Panel.
It came as the father of the latest tennis ace out of Dunblane said the local community should be "desperate for" the facility to be built on its doorstep.
A spokesman for the council said: "Having carefully considered and discussed extensively all the arguments for and against this proposal, Stirling Council's Planning and Regulation Panel has today refused the application for a development at Park of Keir."
Judy Murray tweeted about the plans on the eve of the decision but has not commented since it was rejected.
A quick reminder of our proposals for Park of Keir. #SupportParkofKeir pic.twitter.com/ALRhkqlr2u
— Park of Keir (@ParkofKeir) December 7, 2015
The multi-million pound development incorporated a dozen tennis courts, a small golf course with practice range and mini golf, and luxury hotel and 19 homes - reduced from the 100 originally proposed.
Local hero Andy Murray tweeted that the complex would be a "massive opportunity for the community".
Hoping the Park of Keir development gets the green light. Massive opportunity for the community, for sport and for the next generation👍😊
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) December 7, 2015
However, the initiative had infuriated many local residents opposed to development on the Park of Keir greenfield site which separates Dunblane from Bridge of Allan.
Mark Ruskell, Scottish Green Party Councillor for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, welcomed the decision.
He said: "I'm delighted that this proposal has been rejected. It would have been totally wrong to rip up our democratically agreed local plan to make room for executive housing on this treasured greenbelt area.
"For over 25 years, local communities have fought against development at Park of Keir. Judy Murray had a good idea but it was in completely the wrong location - I'm sure that sporting legacy can be secured elsewhere."
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