Dall development: Scottish golf club proposed on site of ancient woodlands

View Larger Map Name of project Dall Development What is proposed? The outline planning application is for the "redevelopment of estate to provide exclusive private members club incorporating a luxury hotel development with health spa, clinic, leisure and retail facilities, two 18-hole golf courses, clubhouse and ancillary facilities broch development and loch-side restaurant, lochside housing and club members housing, staff accommodation, access and parking, landscaping and associated works." Over 100 houses are planned and approximately 116 staff apartments. Describe the site, and details of protected or threatened habitat or species The development will affect in total 403 ha of woodland - 216 ha of ancient woodland, a threatened and irreplaceable habitat, along with 187 ha of associated woodland, of similar origin and biodiversity value. The application is located immediately next to the Black Wood of Rannoch SAC and SSSI and historically was part of it. The Black Wood of Rannoch is the most southerly extensive example of Caledonian Forest in Scotland; formed at the end of the last ice age and considered to be one of the last remaining wildernesses in the British Isles. In woodland terms this site is immensely important as it is a natural extension of the Black Wood and this development will remove the protective buffer it provides. It is home to many protected species; red squirrels, pine martens, otters and crested tits, it is perfect habitat for capercaillie and scottish crossbills, there are even reports of wildcats. We are concerned about these woodland species that would loose their habitat should the application go ahead, but also the knock on effect to other species such as the incredibly rare Arctic Charr, whose only breeding site could be lost. Other designated sites affected by the application are the River Tay SAC (Loch Rannoch is part of the Tay SAC). The Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon NSA – the site sits within a National Scenic Area (the Scottish version of AONB) and it is now one of the Red Squirrel Stronghold Areas - listed for their importance to the species' survival. What one thing readers could do that would help you or your group protect this site? Watch the Woodland Trust website for action over the next few months when the application will be considered by Perth and Kinross Council. Exact location NN604560/ PH17 2QH Developer Dall Estate And M James Developments - Dall House, Dall, Rannoch, Pitlochry(Agent: Development Planning Partnership LLP, 1 St Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA) Planning authority and planning application Perth & Kinross Council, Case officer - Christine Brien Planning Application No: 09/01273/IPM Campaign contact details Christina Byrne - Research & Campaigns Officer; Woods under Threat The Woodland Trust Scotland, 12 Cumberland St North East Lane. EH3 6SB T: 08452 935 819 M: 07826 891 398 E: [email protected] • If you are the developer and would like to respond to this campaign, please email [email protected]