WITH THE amazing 2012 summer of sport an abiding and inspiring memory, Angus is gearing up to take its place in the global limelight in 2014.
The first official steps have been taken to prepare the region for its key role in next year’s Commonwealth Games extravaganza.
Planning permission has been sought by Glasgow 2014 to create shooting ranges and associated infrastructure, along with the formation of footpaths and engineering works at the Barry Buddon ranges near Carnoustie.
The move follows the conclusion of a public consultation on the plans, which included an exhibition in the Carnoustie leisure centre and a short presentation to the town’s community council at a meeting at the end of May.
A report on the findings of the consultation has highlighted the enthusiasm for the games shooting event to be held in Angus and the attempts that will be made by the organiser to preserve the natural landscape as it is.
The report, compiled by planning consultants Halliday Fraser Munro on behalf of Glasgow 2014, states: “The public consultation exercise undertaken identified wide-ranging enthusiasm and support for the Commonwealth Games shooting event at Barry Buddon.
“The responses identify the key concern within the community relates to traffic and transport but beyond this the principal points were about volunteering and obtaining tickets.
“Transportation arrangements will be covered in detail in the transport statement which accompanies the planning application.
“The park and ride strategy has been tried and tested by the event organisers for the Open, which was last staged at Carnoustie in 2007.”
Concerns were raised over the possibility of restricted access for local golfers during the games but Glasgow 2014 Ltd has confirmed players will be able to continue to access Panmure Golf Club throughout it.
The Barry Buddon range was previously used as the shooting venue for the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.
The land has been used for military purposes since the 19th century and was sold by Lord Panmure to the War Office in 1897.
Its military use has meant the site has never been developed and is now covered by environmental designations including status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The proposed development is a temporary shooting venue.
The report indicates that the full bore range, at Barry North, currently exists and means only minor works will be required for that.
Two enclosed ranges will be built for small bore events, along with three clay target ranges to the most western part of the site.
A transport compound will be formed on land owned by Carnoustie Golf Club at the northern edge of the site where coaches will drop off spectators and guests.
The report added: “There will be no spectator or workforce cars allowed on to the site at games time. A park and ride system will be operated, similar to that used during the Open Championship to ferry spectators and workforce to and from the venue.”
The planning application will be considered by Angus development standards committee councillors in due course.
mdalziel@dcthomson.co.uk
riwatt@thecourier.co.uk