Controversial plans by Andy Murray’s mother, Judy, to build a multi-million pound tennis and golf center a few miles from his hometown "have been rejected by local councillors," according to Patrick Sawer of the London TELEGRAPH. The 110-hectare Park of Keir development, outside Dunblane, had been promoted as “a once in a generation opportunity” to create a "fantastic grassroots tennis and golf destination that is open to all." But the plans "faced fierce opposition from local residents who said the development would destroy valuable greenbelt land." Councillors on Stirling Council’s planning committee, meeting in Dunblane, turned down the proposals. Planning officials at Stirling Council had "recommended that the planning application be refused." Judy Murray’s proposals included indoor and outdoor tennis courts; a six-hole golf course; a 4/5-star hotel; a country park; indoor leisure activities; a tennis museum and 19 resort homes (TELEGRAPH, 12/8). The PA reported Murray had said she wanted to "create a legacy to the success of her sons Andy and Jamie, who have won grand slam titles and led Great Britain to a historic Davis Cup win in November." Former ManU Manager Alex Ferguson said that Judy Murray had set out an "amazing vision" to help young people. She said earlier this month, "For us as a family, it is all about legacy of what Jamie and Andy have achieved throughout their careers. Two brothers from a small town that has no track record of tennis taking on the world and winning" (PA, 12/8). The SCOTSMAN reported Andy Murray backed his mother in her bid to build a "controversial" multi-million pound tennis center. The project includes an Andy Murray museum. The player took to Twitter, where he has 3.38 million followers, "to voice his support" for the project. He tweeted, "Hoping the Park of Keir development gets the green light. Massive opportunity for the community, for sport and for the next generation" (SCOTSMAN, 12/7).
