ajsp2025 - results of consultultation appendix 1 - 7 - results of consultation... · appendix 1-7...
TRANSCRIPT
APPENDIX 1-7
APPENDIX 1 – LIST OF CONSULTEES
Community Councils
Mr Brian F Woods Alloway & Doonfoot Community Council Mr Bill McBlane Ardrossan Community Council Ms Alison Prince Arran Community Council Mrs Rhoda Clelland Auchinleck Community Council Mr Neville Love Ballantrae Community Council Mr James B Leil Barr Community Council Mr Daniel Allan Barrhill Community Council Mrs Julie Crook Beith Community Council Mrs Jean Collins Bellfield Community Council Mr Craig McCubbin Belmont & Kincaidston Community Council Ms Rebecca Neil Bonnyton Community Council Mr Iain McCulloch Catrine Community Council Mr John Lochrie Colmonell & Lendalfoot Community Council Mr Bob Currie Coylton Community Council Mr Alistair Todd Craigie Community Council Mr Robert Smith Crosshill, Straiton & Kirkmichael Community Council Mrs Jeanette Barbour Crosshouse Community Council Ms Marie Jones Cumbrae Community Council Mr Jim McMillan Cumnock Community Council Mrs Audrey Richard Cumnock Landward Community Council Ms Jenifer K Fergusson Dailly Community Council
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Mrs Maryum Ali Dalmellington Community Council Mrs J H Mack Dalry Community Council Mrs Katie McNeillie Dalrymple Community Council Mr T Reid Ross Darvel and District Community Council Mrs Margaret Torrance Drongan, Rankinston & Stair Community Council Ms Margaret W K Black Dundonald Community Council Ms Jean McGinn Dunure Community Council Mr Steve Graham Fairlie Community Council Mrs Susan McFadzean Fenwick Community Council Mr Ian Valentine Fort & Seafield Community Council Mrs May Anderson Galston Community Council Mr John McIvor Gatehead Community Council Ms Jean Wilson Girvan Community Council Mr Harry McCall Grange/Howard Community Council Mrs Joyce McCulloch Hurlford & Crookedholm Community Council Mrs Louise Dickson Irvine Community Council Mrs M McConnell Kilbirnie & Glengarnock Community Council Ms Lesley Humes Kilmaurs Community Council Mr W Allan Kilwinning Community Council Mr Jim Inglis Largs Community Council Mr I MacLennan Loans Community Council Mrs Rae Forrest Lugar and Logan Community Council Ms Jean Eaglesham Maidens & Kirkoswald Community Council Ms Sarah Sharpe Mauchline Community Council Ms Anne M J Walker Maybole Commuity Council Mr Campbell Quinn Monkton Community Council Mrs Lillian Meikle Moscow and Waterside Community Council Mr Gordon Ralton Muirkirk Community Council Mr Alan Gibson New Cumnock Community Council Mr Archie Pryce New Farm Loch Community Council Mr Robert Leggate Newmilns and Greenholm Community Council Mrs S A Wyllie Newton & Heathfield Community Council
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Mrs Beryl Graham Northwest Kilmarnock Community Council Mr James Rutherford Ochiltree Community Council Mr David Clarke Piersland-Bentinck Community Council Mrs Kay Siddell Pinwherry Community Council Mr John McGiveron Prestwick North Community Council Ms Betty MacGowan Prestwick South Community Council Mrs M Shaw Shortlees Community Council Mrs Elizabeth Walker Skelmorlie Community Council Mr David Shaw Sorn Community Council Mr Bill McLaren Stevenston Community Council Mr Larry Pollock Stewarton and District Community Council Mr Allan Hopewell Symington Community Council Mrs Ann McAllister Troon Community Council Ms Anne Wilkinson West Kilbride Community Council Community Groups etc Mr D Hiddleston ACTIVATE Youth Forum Mr D Campbell Age Concern Mr John Reilly Agenda 21 Mrs Annette Paterson Alloway and Doonfoot Community Association Mrs Pat Brown Annick Youth & Community Association Arran Agenda 21 Group Ms Jan Schofield Arran Council for Voluntary Service Ayrshire & Arran Tourist Board Mrs Lorna Gotch Ayrshire Agricultural Association Mrs S Andrew Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Mr Bill Leitch Ayrshire Chamber of Industry and Commerce Rev Robert P Bell Ballantrae Community Association Miss W Gracie Barr Community Association Mr Andrew B Miller Burnton Residents Mr M Dickie Castlepark Community Centre
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Mr Charles Woodward Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Mrs K Wilson Colmonell Community Association Mr Brian Newman Community Association Mr Brian Farrell Coreshill Residents Association Ms Angela Wyper Crookedholm Community Association Mrs M McEwan Crosshill Community Association Mr Drew Moyes Cyclist Tourist Club Ms A Ferguson Dailly Community Association Mr Roger Griffith Dalgarven Mill Robert N MacSporran Dalmellington & District Conservation Trust The Secretary Dalmellington & District Countryside Society Mr J Brown Dalmilling and Whitletts Community Association Mrs J Bradford Dalrymple Community Association Darvel Business & Residents Association Mrs M Torrrance Drongan Community Association Mrs Katie Cochrane Fenwick Community Association Ms Penny Cousins Forward Scotland Siobhan Samson Friends of the Earth (Scotland) Mr O Melvin Galston Business & Residents Mrs I Paterson Galston Community Association Mrs I Climie Girvan & District History Society Mrs D Campbell Heathfield Community Association Mr Ian Vallance Hurlford Community Association Mr Arther West Irvine & District Poverty Action Group Mrs Joyce Morton Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership H R Rutherford Kilmaurs Amenity Society Mr William Nottman Kilmaurs Community Association Mr M Dunnabie Kirkmichael Community Association Mrs S Penny Kyle & Carrick Civic Society Mrs Bell Lendalfoot Community Association* Mrs M McConnell Lochside Community Association Mr T Russell Maidens Community Association
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Mrs Kenny Maybole Community Association Robert Hannah Meadowlands Trust Ms Greta Roberts MEGA: Mining & Environment Group, Ayrshire Miss M Donaldson Moscow & District Community Associaion Mr A Gourlay Mossblown and Drumley Community Association Ms C O'Dwyer Muirhead Community Association Mrs M Hynd Muirkirk Community Assocation Mrs M Currie Muirkirk Enterprise Group Mr A Barrie Newmilns Business & Residents Association Newmilns Trust Mr R Cairns North Ayr Community Forum Mr Alistair Osborne North Ayrshire Council Miss Steel North Carrick Elderly Forum Ms M Black Ochiltree Community Association Mrs J Stevenson Patna Community Association Mrs B Stirling Pinwherry Community Association Ms Dorothy Laing Planning Exchange Sam Milliken Prestwick Airport Consultative Committee Mrs R Mitchell Prestwick Community Association Mrs M Brown Rankinson Community Association Zoe Clelland Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Mr Tom Hart Scottish Association of Public Transport Mrs Anne McRobert Shortlees Community Association Miss R Ash South Ayrshire Access Panel Miss McLachlan South Ayrshire Federation of Community Associations Mrs S Scott South Ayrshire Forum on Disability Mrs S Cochrane South Belmont Community Association Kathryn Gulliver Stair Community Association Mrs M Logan Straiton Community Association Mr Bruce Riddell The Ramblers Scotland
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Valley of Excellence Ms Jane Davies Waterside Community Association Mr Norman MacGilvray West Kilbride Amenity Society Individuals Mr Graham Shirra Ruth Gemmell Brian Hamilton Mr Walter Marshall Lindsay Cairns Mr Eric Wilson Mr S L Hunter Mr James Boswell Mr R S Hamilton F Rooney Mr W Wyllie Mr Donald Macneish Ms Fiona Wright Mr H F Hodge Mr Graeme Allison Mr J Parker Mr A Hamilton Mr Robert K Borland Mr Peter Ryan Mr Hugh MacKay I A Buchanan Mr Robert Maund Mr Anthony Hume Ms Fiona Walker Mr Kenny Martin
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Greta M Roberts Mr T McGaffney Mr M Watt Mr Meic Evans Mr Jerry Mulders Ms Esther Caldwell Mr Mark Gibson Mr Jerry Mulders Mr Bert Allen Mr James Brown Baltersan - Historic Conservation & Marketing Sheila Shedden Chisholms of Ayr Mr Jonathan Cardale Culzean Castle Mr Alastair Wood Drivers Jonas Robert P Bell Manse of Ballantrae Ms Margaret McCance McKechnie Institute Mr John E Ault NFUS Mr Gordon Marshall Shalimar Mr A Wilmot Straiton Senior Citizens' Lunch Club Helen Kennedy The Crown Estate Mr S C Gibbs The Estate Office General Interest Groups Mr Hugh White K R Morin Alba Resource Recovery Helen Thompson AMEC Angus Matheson Associates Mr P J Lorimer ARP Lorimer & Associates ASH Mr David Rolwegan Ashtenne Investments (Scotland) ATIS REAL Weatheralls Ltd Euan Pearson ATIS REAL Weatheralls Ltd
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Mr Philip Clarke Barton Willmore Planning Partnership Mr Andrew Bower Barton Willmore Planning Partnership - Northern Border Biofuels Ltd Ms Anne Smith British Red Cross Ms Lynne Phillips Burness Solicitors Mr Colin Graham C B Hillier Parker Mr Rhys Davies CG Property & Development Chapman Warren Mr T E Brownmill Cleanaway Limited Gordon Arthur Clowes Developments (Scotland) Ltd Mr Anthony H Aitken Colliers CRE Planning & Development Ms Diane Bowyer DPDS Consulting Group Mr David Farrier E.ON-UK Renewables Limited EDAW EDI Group - Edinburgh Mr John Kelly EKOS ENTEC Environmental Resources Management Mr Alan Farningham Farningham McCreadie Partnership FPD Savills Mr Bobby Sturgeon Fullarton Community Health House David Campbell G L Hearn Gooch Webster Ms Angela Turner Gouldens Mr Colin Graham GVA Grimley Mr Marc Giles H F M Planning Mr Alan Montgomery H G Planning Ltd S H Taylor H J Banks & Co Mr Colin Anderson H J Banks & Co Mr Patrick Watt Hall, Aitken Associates Healey & Baker Mr E C Henderson Hendersons Chartered Surveyors
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Lady Pauline Hunterston Hunterston Hydrogen Ltd J & A B Boyd Solicitors, Notaries, Estate Agents J W S Ross & Co Dr Liz Berry Jade Associates James Barr and Son Mr John Milligan JMP Consultants Ltd Ann Chambers Jones Lang Lasalle Mr Gordon MacCallum Keppie Planning Lynsey Russell Keppie Planning Kier Construction (Mining Division) Mr Ashley Bell Kingswell Developments Ltd Land Use Consultants Mr E Lawrence Lawrence McPherson Associates Chris Smylie Maclay, Murray & Spens Gillian S L Ellis Maclay, Murray & Spens J R Grant MacRoberts Solicitors Peter Carus Mappin Planning & Development Mr Callum Fraser Mappin Planning & Development G E Atkinson Maxi Estates Ltd Mr Scott Graham McInally Associates Ltd Mr J T Poyner Miller Mining Andrew Moffat Montagu Evans Montgomery Watson NAI Fuller Peiser Helen Milborne Nathaniel, Litchfield & Partners Ms Jennie Curry Nathaniel, Litchfield & Partners Patterson Partners Mr Peter G Scott Peter Scott Planning Services Mr Robert Drysdale Planning Consultancy Mrs Ruth Day PPAD Mr Neil Martin R P S Consultants Mr B Kirkwood RDK Construction Ltd
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Renewable Energy Systems Limited Mr Adrian Smith Robert Turley Associates Mr Andrew Robinson Robinson Associates Mr Nairn Pearson Roger Tym & Partners Mr Michael Walker RPS Consultants Ryden Property Consultants Professor G Marshall SAC Clare Wharmby SAC Dr M Kelly SAC Building Design Services Scottish Consumer Council Shepherd & Wedderburn Stirrat Park Hogg Terence O'Rouke Plc Mr Frank Potter The fdp Consultancy The Halcrow Group TPS Environmental Ltd Mr Wallace Traverse Ltd Mr Mike Mattok W & A Fairhurst & Partners Mr David McCall W I Munro Architects Steve Willcock Wardell Armstrong John Warren Warren Planning Consultants Transport Mr Andrew Horne Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd Mr E Jamieson Clydeport Operations Limited Mr Bryan Tennant First Ms Joan Williams Freight Transport Association Ltd Ms Anna Bloomfield General Aviation Awareness Council Mr D Grant Glasgow Prestwick International Airport Mr Iain Pattenden Lambert Smith Hampton Mr S Buchanan Paths for All Partnership
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Bill Ure Rail Freight Group Royal Automobile Club Scottish Airports Ltd Tom Titterton Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Mr Tom Wileman Stagecoach Western Buses Ltd Mr Neil Greig The Automobile Association Built Environment Council for Scottish Archaeology Mr Chistopher Dingwall Garden History Society Mr Michael W Hunter National Trust for Scotland Lynne Raeside Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland Scottish Arts Council Mr Alan Moss Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust Mr T Levinthal The Scottish Civic Trust Housing Acre Developments Ltd Ambion Holdings Ltd David Malcolmson ATD Developments Ltd Ms Annie Russell Bellway Homes Ms Annie Russell Belway Homes Bett Homes Mr William McDermott Bryant Homes Bryant Homes Miss Shelley Thompson Cala Homes (Scotland) Ltd D Cook & Son Ltd Mr Meic Evans Dawn Developments Ltd Mike Andrews George Wimpey Ms Michaela Sullivan GWSLM Mr John Harkiss Harkiss Homes
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Mr Blair Melville Homes for Scotland Mr Ian Hope Hope Homes Scotland Ltd John Thomson Construction Ltd Mr Andrew Mickel Mactaggart & Mickel Ltd McLean Homes (Scotland) Ltd Mr Gregor Grant Moulds (Kilmarnock) Ltd Mr Barry Hodge Persimmon Homes Redrow Homes (Scotland) Ltd John A MacColl Robinson Homes Scottish Homes Steven Rankin Scottish Homes Mr Brad Gilbert Scottish Homes Ms L Dunlop Shire Housing Association Mr Jim Telfer Soveren Homes Mr Stephen Partington Stewart Milne Holdings Mr Bob MacArthur Tulloch Homes Mr Gideon Kwint Tulloch Homes Major Companies Dr Brian Smith Mr Andrew Dewar-Durie Allied Distillers Limited Mr Alastair D MacFarlane Associated British Ports Mr John Horsburgh Aviall Caledonian Engine Services Mr Richard Pridham Ayr Racecourse Barr Holdings Ltd Mrs Jean McDonald British Energy Mr David Gray Caledonian Paper Plc Mr Julian Chafer Defence Estates Mr Michael Paterson Glacier Vandervell Ltd Mr Alexander Bulloch Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd Mr Stephen Millward High Speed Production Limited
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Mr Alan Wolstenholme ISP Alginates (UK) Ltd Jabil Ministry of Defence David Watson Ministry of Defence Mr Vickie Rickey Nacco Materials Handling (Scotland) Ltd Mr Stephen Connolly Nobels Explosives Co Ltd Ms Catherine Wood NPL Estates Limited Mr Palmer Palmer Brothers Kilwinning Ltd Mr Derek Mansfield Prestwick Circuits Limited Mr Tom McClymont Roche Products Ltd SCI (UK) Scotrail Dr Brian Smith Scottish and Southern Energy Mr Philip Rayson Scottish Coal Mr Stephen Beebe Scottish Coal Vicki Turkington Scottish Power Mr Jason Ormiston Scottish Renewables Dr C E Badman Smith Kline Beecham Mr Andrew Rennison Stoddard International Plc Mr Stewart Selbie Turnberry Hotel Golf Courses & Spa Mr Peter Barker West Coast Energy Ltd Mr Alan Wolstenholme William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd Economic Development Mr Iain McMillan CBI Scotland Scottish Council for Development and Industry Mr Martin Togneri Scottish Development International
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Rural/Land Management Mr Charles Fforde Arran Estates Donalds Chartered Surveyors Mr Chris Attison Scott Cluttons Mr Stephen Gibbs Dougarie Estate Mr Neil Stoddart FCA Jamie Farquhar Forestry & Timber Association Mr Peter Harrison Forestry Authority Mr Keith Wishart Forestry Commission Mr R McKenzie Forestry Commission Ms Christina Tracey Forestry Commission Mr Michael Wall Forestry Commission Scotland Mr Gary Smith Hallam Land Management Mr Alan Christison Heathfield Road Mr G Brownlee National Farmers Union of Scotland Ms Lisa Roberts National Farmers Union of Scotland Mr R Gawn National Farmers Union of Scotland Messrs Jefferson & McNab National Farmers Union of Scotland Mr Fergus Tickell Ormsary Estate Mr Bill Wright Rural Scotland Scottish Landowners Federation Mr Roy MacLachlan SEERAD Mr Ian Leauer The Crown Estate Mr M P Burr West of Scotland Agricultural Retail Mr Dave Rose Ayr Town Initiative Healey & Baker Mr J G Donaldson Kilmarnock Retail Traders Association
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Ms Susan Cochburn Kilmarnock Town Centre Management Initiative Mr Ken McPeak The Kyle Centre Tourism Mr Alastair Breckenridge Ayrshire Tourism Industry Forum Ms Janet Swadling Scottish Agricultural College Scottish Museums Council Chief Executive Scottish Tourist Board Infrastructure B T Communications Mr Neil Collar British Wind Energy Chris Tomlinson British Wind Energy Association Alistair Patterson Scottish Power Mr Gordon Laing Scottish Water Transco Environment H M Inspectorate of Industrial Pollution Mr Cameron Adams Health & Safety Executive Health & Safety Executive Mr Gordon Proven Proven Engineering Products Ltd Scottish Woodland Owners Association Mr Alex Middleton The Scottish Greenbelt Company Limited Minerals Dr Martin Smith British Geological Survey Mr M Dowson Hall Construction Ltd Mr G A H Muir Hillhouse Quarry Company Ltd Mr John Walker LAW Mining Ms Lorna Henderson Quarry Products Association Mr John J Sheridan Quarry Products Association (Scotland)
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Mr Mark Harper R H Mineral Services Refractories Associated of Great Britain Mr Philip Atkinson RJB Mining (UK) Ltd Mr Alan Doak RMC Russell Mr Ivan Anketell Tarmac Recycling Ltd Mr David Brewer The Confederation of UK Coal Producers Mr Tony Watts Watt Brothers Mining Ayrshire Councillors Councillor James Kelly East Ayrshire Council Councillor Maureen McKay East Ayrshire Council Councillor Brian Reeves East Ayrshire Council Councillor Thomas Farrell East Ayrshire Council Councillor Stuart Finlayson East Ayrshire Council Councillor Neil McGhee East Ayrshire Council Councillor Jim Raymond East Ayrshire Council Councillor George Smith East Ayrshire Council Councillor William Menzies East Ayrshire Council Councillor Jim Carmichael East Ayrshire Council Councillor Eric Jackson East Ayrshire Council Councillor Robert McDill East Ayrshire Council Councillor William Crawford East Ayrshire Council Councillor Stephanie Young East Ayrshire Council Councillor Elaine Stewart East Ayrshire Council Councillor Elaine
Dinwoodie East Ayrshire Council
Councillor Eric Ross East Ayrshire Council Councillor Jim O'Neill East Ayrshire Council Councillor William Coffey East Ayrshire Council Councillor Iain Linton East Ayrshire Council Councillor John Campbell East Ayrshire Council
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Councillor John McGhee East Ayrshire Council Councillor Daniel Coffey East Ayrshire Council Councillor Harry Wilson East Ayrshire Council Councillor John Knapp East Ayrshire Council Councillor Douglas Reid East Ayrshire Council Councillor Isabella Macrae East Ayrshire Council Councillor John Weir East Ayrshire Council Councillor Gordon Cree East Ayrshire Council Councillor Ray Murray East Ayrshire Council Councillor Jane
Darnbrough East Ayrshire Council
Councillor Drew McIntyre East Ayrshire Council Councillor Gordon Clarkson North Ayrshire Council Councillor Ian Clarkson North Ayrshire Council Councillor David O'Neill North Ayrshire Council Councillor Margaret Currie North Ayrshire Council Councillor Jane Gorman,
JP North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Agnes Wallace North Ayrshire Council Councillor Samuel Taylor,
JP North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Iain Richardson North Ayrshire Council Councillor John Ried, JP North Ayrshire Council Councillor Robert Rae North Ayrshire Council Councillor Richard
Wilkinson North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Tom Barr North Ayrshire Council Councillor Jean Highgate North Ayrshire Council Councillor Alan Hill North Ayrshire Council Councillor Elisabethe
Marshall North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Jack Carson, JP North Ayrshire Council
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Councillor Jacqueline Brown
North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Drew Duncan North Ayrshire Council Councillor John Bell North Ayrshire Council Councillor Donald Reid North Ayrshire Council Councillor Stewart Dewar,
JP North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Margaret McDougall
North Ayrshire Council
Councillor Peter McNamara North Ayrshire Council Councillor Alan Munro North Ayrshire Council Councillor David Munn, JP North Ayrshire Council Councillor Margaret Munn North Ayrshire Council Councillor Anna Donn North Ayrshire Council Councillor John Moffat North Ayrshire Council Councillor Elizabeth
McLardy North Ayrshire Council
Councillor John McDowall South Ayrshire Council Councillor Margaret Toner South Ayrshire Council Councillor Alistair Kerr South Ayrshire Council Councillor Helen Moonie South Ayrshire Council Councillor Gordon
McKenzie South Ayrshire Council
Councillor William McIntosh South Ayrshire Council Councillor George Watson South Ayrshire Council Councillor Peter Convery South Ayrshire Council Councillor Pamela Paterson South Ayrshire Council Councillor Hugh Hunter South Ayrshire Council Councillor Edward Bulik South Ayrshire Council Councillor Douglas
Campbell South Ayrshire Council
Councillor Alexander Cairns South Ayrshire Council
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Councillor Ian Cavana South Ayrshire Council Councillor Robert Campbell South Ayrshire Council Councillor Gibson T
MacDonald South Ayrshire Council
Councillor Winifred Sloan South Ayrshire Council Councillor Ian Stewart South Ayrshire Council Councillor Mary Kilpatrick South Ayrshire Council Councillor Cherry Young South Ayrshire Council Councillor Andrew Hill South Ayrshire Council Councillor Robert Reid South Ayrshire Council Councillor Hywel Davies South Ayrshire Council Councillor David Duncan South Ayrshire Council Councillor Anthony Lewis South Ayrshire Council Councillor Alan Murray South Ayrshire Council Councillor Ian Fitzsimmons South Ayrshire Council Councillor Gerry Crawley South Ayrshire Council Councillor Paul Torrance South Ayrshire Council Ayrshire Councils/Chief Officials
Mr James Lavery East Ayrshire Council Mr Alex McPhee East Ayrshire Council Mr Jim Kane East Ayrshire Council Ms Fiona Lees East Ayrshire Council Mr John Mulgrew East Ayrshire Council Mr A Neish East Ayrshire Council Mr William Stafford East Ayrshire Council Liz Marquis Energy Agency Mr Brian MacDonald North Ayrshire Council Mr Bernard Devine North Ayrshire Council Mr Tom Orr North Ayrshire Council
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Mr John Travers North Ayrshire Council Mr John Barrett North Ayrshire Council Mr Alasdair J Herbert North Ayrshire Council Mr Ian T Mackay North Ayrshire Council Mr J Murray Macfarlane North Ayrshire Council Ms Bernadette Docherty North Ayrshire Council Mr Tom Cairns South Ayrshire Council Mr Brian Davidson South Ayrshire Council Mr J Graham Peterkin South Ayrshire Council Mr Ian D McLarty South Ayrshire Council Ms Elaine Noad South Ayrshire Council Mr Jim Fenton South Ayrshire Council Mr Michael McCabe South Ayrshire Council Mr Keith McKune South West Local Authority Consortium Strathclyde Fire Board Mr Iain M Anderson Strathclyde Police Strathclyde Police Dr Carol Swanson West of Scotland Archaeology Service MPs Mrs Sandra Osborne Mr Des Browne Mr George Foulkes Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley Mr Brian Wilson Cunninghame North Mr Brian Donohoe Cunninghame South Mr Ross Finnie Scottish Parliament Mr Alex Ferguson Scottish Parliament Mr Phil Gallie Scottish Parliament Ms Annabel Goldie Scottish Parliament Mr John Scott Scottish Parliament Mr Adam Ingram Scottish Parliament
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Mr Donald Gorrie Scottish Parliament Mr Alex Neil Scottish Parliament Ms Christine Grahame Scottish Parliament Mr Murray Tosh Scottish Parliament Mr Allan Wilson Scottish Parliament Mrs I Oldfather Scottish Parliament Campbell Martin Scottish Parliament Frances Curran Scottish Parliament Mr Alasdair Morgan Scottish Parliament Ms Rosemary Byrne Scottish Parliament Mr Michael Matheson Scottish Parliament Stewart Maxwell Scottish Parliament Chris Balance Scottish Parliament Mr David Mundell Scottish Parliament Ms Cathy Jamieson Scottish Parliament Bruce McFee Scottish Parliament Ms Margaret Jamieson Scottish Parliament Ms Linda Fabiani Scottish Parliament Mr Stephen Curtis Scottish Parliament Information Centre Surrounding Councils Mr G Harper Argyll & Bute Council Ms Julia Macpherson Clyde Estuary Forum Mr Steve Rogers East Renfrewshire Council Mr Stuart Lindsay Girvan Horizons Mr Vincent Goodstadt Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee Fraser Williamson Inverclyde Council Mr Ian Snodgrass Renfrewshire Council Morag Little South Lanarkshire Council Mr Alistair Speedie Strategic Planning & Transportation Hilary Howat Strathclyde Passenger Transport
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Carol Gilbert Strathclyde Passenger Transport John Halliday Strathclyde Passenger Transport Dr M Reed Strathclyde Passenger Transport Mr Rodney Mortimer WESTRANS Enterprise Companies Argyll and the Islands Exterprise Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire Scottish Office Dr Allan Gunning Ayrshire & Arran Community Health Care Ms Kirsten Major Ayrshire & Arran NHS Board Ms Pauline Gilroy Communities Scotland Mr Roger Popplewell Communities Scotland Ms Julia MacPherson Firth of Clyde Forum H M Inspector Factories and District Inspector of Mines and
Quarries Mr David Breeze Historic Scotland Mr Richard Emerson Historic Scotland Mr D J Fraser North Ayrshire & Arran NHS Trust Graham U'ren Royal Town Planning Institute (Scotland) Scottish Executive Ms Suzanne Marshall Scottish Executive Mr Iain Matheson Scottish Executive Mr Alan Denham Scottish Executive Environment & Rural Affairs Scottish Executive Scottish Executive Mr Graeme Purves Scottish Executive
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Scottish Executive Mr Jim Mackinnon Scottish Executive Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Natural Heritage Mr Angus Laing Scottish Natural Heritage Mr Ian Anderson Scottish Natural Heritage Ms Chris Nevin Scottish Natural Heritage Dr Campbell Gemmell SEPA Mr Robert Kerr SEPA West Region David Liddell Sports Scotland VisitScotland
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APPENDIX 2 – RESPONDEES TO CONSULTATION DRAFT Alba Resource Recovery
AMEC Wind Energy Anonymous ATIS REAL Weatheralls - BAE Systems Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry British Wind Energy Association Clowes Developments (Scotland) Ltd Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Communities Scotland Confederation of UK Coal Producers Containers Ltd (Jerry Mulders) Dalmellington Community Council Dawn Developments Ltd Dee, David & Marilyn DPP (Comstock Land Holdings and Hallam Land Management Ltd) Drivers Jonas (NHS Ayrshire & Arran Community Health Division) Dumfries & Galloway Council E.ON UK Renewables Limited East Renfrewshire Council Energy Agency South West Scotland Evans, Michael S Farningham McCreadie Partnership Limited (Hermiston Securities) Farningham McCreadie Partnership Limited Firth of Clyde Forum Forestry Commission Garden History Society General Aviation Awareness Council Gibson, J Mark Girvan Horizons GL Hearn (CG Property)
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GL Hearn (David Willis) Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan GVA Grimley Health & Safety Executive HG Planning (Atrium Homes) Homes for Scotland Hume, Anthony Hunterston Hydrogen Ltd Individual Inverclyde Council James Barr (Alexanders' Sawmills Ltd & MacDonald Estates Plc) James Barr (AWG Residential Ltd and James Craig Ltd) James Barr (Elderslie Renewables Limited) James Barr (George Wimpey Strategic Land) James Barr (John Thomson Construction Ltd) James Barr (Persimmon Homes) James Barr (Zoom Developments Ltd) James Barr John Dickie Homes Ltd Keppie Design - Lynsey Russell Kingswell Developments Ltd MacRoberts Solicitors (GlaxoSmithkline) Mappin Planning & Development (Hawkhill Estates Ltd) Mappin Planning & Development (MacDonald Estates Plc) Mappin Planning & Development (Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc) McInally Associates Ltd (Clydeport Plc) MEGA Mobile Operators Association Montagu Evans (County Properties Northern Ltd) NAI Fuller Peiser (BAE Systems) National Health Service (Ayrshire & Arran) North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Margaret Currie
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NPL Estates Osborne, Sandra (MP) PPCA Ltd (Mactaggart & Mickel) RDK Construction Ltd Renfrewshire Council Roberts, Greta Robertson, Iain Robinson Associates (AXA (REIM)) RPS (BT plc) RPS (Elhpinstone Land Ltd) RPS (South East Ayr Consortium) RPS RSPB Scottish Agricultural College Scottish and Southern Energy Scottish Coal Company Limited Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire Scottish Environment Protection Agency Scottish Executive - Graeme Purves Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Renewables Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Scottish Water - Graeme Morris Shedden, Sheila South Ayrshire Council (Councillor Peter Convery) Sports Scotland Stagecoachbus Stewart Milne Holdings Ltd Strathclyde Passenger Transport Troon Community Council
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Warren Consultants (Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited Partnership) Westrans NOTE: A further eight responses were received from consultees who requested their names and address should not be made publicly available.
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APPENDIX 3 – WEB ANALYSIS AND USAGE – ELECTRONIC DOWNLOAD OF INFORMATION FROM www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk 2003-2005
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APPENDIX 4 - ADVERTISEMENTS
The NOTICE of INTENT to prepare a Joint Structure Plan for Ayrshire was placed in the papers listed below on or immediately after the 28th November 2003. Edinburgh Gazette Carrick Gazette Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Largs & Millport Weekly News Irvine Times Ayr Advertiser Carrick Herald Troon & Prestwick Times Cumnock Chronicle Kilmarnock Standard Ayrshire Post Irvine Herald
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APPENDIX 5 – PUBLICITY OF ISSUES REPORT Publicity to the publication of the Issues Report was given through direct circulation letter, Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee web site, poster & press release: Examples are shown below. An initial timetable was updated during the plan preparation period with publication updates given regularly on www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk Dear Colleague AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025 In accordance with current legislation East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council propose to prepare a replacement Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan for submission to the Scottish Executive. The existing Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan was approved by Scottish Ministers in January 2000. I enclose for your information a preliminary timetable for the main events in the preparation of the replacement joint structure plan, a copy of the formal notice, a statement on the process of structure planning and a short pamphlet outlining the key issues the Councils feel need to be addressed. In parallel to the preparation of the joint structure plan, the process will be monitored by a separate Sustainability Appraisal that will seek to test the plan against broader sustainable objectives. At this stage I am seeking early views on the issues for Ayrshire that a joint structure plan might address and the enclosed pamphlet acts as a starting point for that debate. I would be pleased to receive any views you might have before the Christmas break. Even if you do not have specific comment at this stage I would appreciate letting us know if we have your right address for any future correspondence. I should also point out that our website has been upgraded to allow us to be contacted on-line throughout the process. Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the plan and its preparation directly you can also contact the joint structure plan team here at Links Road Prestwick who will be happy to assist. Yours Sincerely Ian Johnson Manager
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AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025
PROJECTED TIMETABLE 2003 November Formal Notice to Indicate Start of Replacement Joint Structure Plan December Start of Sustainability Appraisal 2004 April/May Consultation Exercise on Draft Joint
Structure Plan December Final Approval of Plan by Councils 2005 February/March Agreed Joint Structure Plan to Scottish
Executive Ian Johnson Manager November 2003
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AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan 2025
Context for the Plan It is important the planning system remains both relevant and up-to-date. This is particularly true for a structure plan that acts as the primary focus for future land use planning in an area for the long-term. The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan was approved by Scottish Ministers in January 2000, but with much of the work done in the period 1997-1998. The plan has a requirement to be reviewed every five years to test whether the policies still hold true, and the Scottish Executive is anxious that in a period of change the planning system in Ayrshire maintains its momentum. This would mean the plan would need to be reviewed and/or replaced by the end of 2004. Perhaps of equal importance is that monitoring the existing joint structure plan over the last two years taken together with a broader social and economic assessment suggests that some of the basic principles on which the plan was previously based no longer apply. This has been re-emphasised by the Ayrshire Economic Forum's recently approved Strategy for Economic Development "Ayrshire: Scotland's Western Gateway". At the March 2003 Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and Transportation Committee it was agreed not to simply review the policies in the previous plan, but to replace them with a new joint structure plan. This has been agreed by East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council individually. At the same time the Scottish Executive had encouraged Councils to adopt some of the new principles on which future strategic planning would be based. This will mean preparing a joint structure plan that:
• Deals only with a limited number of large-scale, cross-boundary issues;
• Concentrates on housing, employment and transport with other topics added only
if there are clear land use implications;
• Looks forward to a 20-year horizon;
• Has a much stronger geographical component; and
• Advocates clear courses of action, with an associated revolving Action Plan. These parameters alone will require a radically different form of plan to the one currently approved, and underlines the need to replace the existing plan. Ian Johnson Manager November 2003
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AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN
AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Structure Plan Legislation The structure plan is the last major strategy document produced by Councils that requires approval from Scottish Ministers. The process is therefore heavily prescribed by legislation. The key element of this legislation is:
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997: Sections 6-10. However since the original inception of the process in 1972 there have been a number of Circulars and advice that together comprise a detailed view from Government as to what they expect. These are:
Circular 29/1982 Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982: Planning Provisions Circular 32/1983 Structure and Local Plans Planning Advice Note 37 (1996) Structure Planning Scottish Planning Policy No.1 (2002) The Planning System
Numerous Scottish Executive guidance and advice notes provide additional context for the individual topics, eg housing, likely to be covered. In addition,
Circular 25/1995 The Designation of Structure Plan Areas (Scotland) Order 1995
requires East, North and South Ayrshire Councils to work together to produce a joint structure plan by agreement. A formal Minute of Agreement to establish a Joint Committee to oversee the workings of the process was signed by the three Councils in 1996. Ian Johnson Manager November 2003
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Our Ref: 2/2/EN 15 Links Road Your Ref: Prestwick Contact: Mrs Elizabeth Neill KA9 1QG Direct Dial: (01292) 673765 Date: November 2003 E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01292 673760 Web Page: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk Fax: 01292 671455 To All Libraries and Council Offices in Ayrshire Dear Sir/Madam AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025 In accordance with current legislation East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council propose to prepare a replacement Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan for submission to the Scottish Executive. The existing Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan was approved by Scottish Ministers in January 2000. I enclose copies of a short pamphlet outlining the key issues the Councils feel need to be addressed. Could you please arrange to display these pamphlets in your offices and if your require any additional copies please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth Neill at the above number. Yours faithfully Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee Encs
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APPENDIX 6 - PUBLICITY OF CONSULTATION DRAFT
Publicity to the publication of the Consultation Draft was given through direct circulation letter, Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee web site, poster & press release:
Our Ref: 2/2/IJ/EN 15 Links Road Your Ref: Prestwick Contact: Mr Ian Johnson KA9 1QG E-Mail: [email protected] Date: June 2004 Web Page: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk Tel: 01292 476716 Fax: 01292 671455 Dear Colleague GROWING AYRSHIRE AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT As part of maintaining an up-to-date planning system, East, North and South Ayrshire Councils intend to replace the current joint structure plan for Ayrshire approved in January 2000. You will already have been consulted late in 2003 on potential issues the plan might address. As a result of those comments, and further analysis, the Councils are now circulating a Consultation Draft of the new plan through the Joint Structure Plan Committee’s website and you are invited to comment or to make representations. As the draft plan proposes a change in direction for policies in Ayrshire it has been written in a way to elicit specific answers to questions about new policy, but you are welcome to comment on any aspect. The Consultation Draft plan is available on our website at: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk/new_structure_plan At the same site can be found background material which has formed the basis for the plan together with the previously approved plan. There is also a questionnaire to fill in either on line or sent to us separately. If you have any difficulty in gaining access to our website and the material it contains please let us know and we can send you a photocopy of the material, although depending on circumstance a charge may be levied. The consultation lasts until Friday 27 August 2004 and we trust you will be able to respond. Yours sincerely Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee Enclosures: Respondee Information Form Consultation Draft – List of Questions
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AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT RESPONDEE INFORMATION FORM
Please complete the details below and attach it with your response. This will help ensure we
handle your response appropriately:
1. NAME ……………………………………………………
ADDRESS ……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
2. If you are responding as an individual:
Do you agree to your response being made available to the public?
Yes No
3. Where confidentiality is not requested, we will make your response available to the public on the following basis (please tick one of the following boxes)
Yes, make my response, name and address all available
Yes, make my response available, but not my name or address
Yes, make my response and name available, but not my address
4. If you are responding on behalf of a Group or Organisation:
Your name and address as respondees will be made available to the public (in the
AJSP&TC Library and/or AJSP&TC website). Are you content for your response to
be made available also?
Yes No
THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THIS CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
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AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025 RESPONDING TO THIS CONSULTATION DRAFT If you would like to make a comment there are a number of means available. We would prefer your responses to be returned by e-mail and we have set up separate pages on our web site to allow you to comment back to us by letter or phone. There is, of course, no need to comment on all the questions and you are also welcome to raise other issues that you consider important. Questions Question 1. Does the Vision Statement set the correct agenda for the future? Question 2. Future population projections based on recent performance suggest that
Ayrshire will face a considerable loss of population. Is this trend acceptable, should there be an attempt to stabilize the population at current levels, and is this realistic?
Question 3. Are the seven principle aims of the strategy appropriate? Question 4. In what way and to what extent should the Gateway Locations be developed to
attract investment? Are there other locations that might be considered as gateway opportunities?
Question 5. Do you agree that the area surrounding Ayr Irvine and Kilmarnock should be
the main focus of future development? Question 6. Six Investment Corridors have been identified. Is the concept valid, do they
cover the correct areas or are there other areas that should be included? Question 7. How can the potential of Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock be realised? Question 8. A hierarchy of communities has been established in Schedule 1 based on their
function: do you agree with the classification? Question 9. In what ways can rural areas support the overall aim of developing the
economy? Question 10. Should more housing be built in the countryside? Question 11. In addition to the transport proposals identified what other development of the
transport system would be appropriate? Question 12. In addition to the regeneration proposals identified, are there other
opportunities for community regeneration and what are the most appropriate mechanisms for their achievement?
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Question 13. How much future housing should be planned for in the future and where
should that housing be located to ensure success? Question 14. How should strategic policy address variable needs and delivery mechanisms
for affordable housing? Question 15. Is this a correct assessment of future industrial requirement? Are there other
strategic industrial locations that might be considered? Question 16. It is the intention to continue to recognise town centres as the main focus for
retail development: is this policy correct forAyrshire? Question 17. How can timber resources and the timber industry be promoted? Question 18. How can Strategic Policy facilitate renewable energy systems to ensure that
they act as a economic and sustainable driver for rural communities? Question 19. Two potential areas for commercial wind farm development have been
identified, are these areas suitable? Should further areas be identified? What constraining factors do you envisage to future wind farm development?
Question 20. An area has been identified for the large scale coppicing of wood for fuel and
forest brash utilisation linked to a possible biomass or co-fired power station. Is this concept valid and how can community benefit be gained? Are there other areas that can be identified?
Question 21. Should tourism be developed to promote the natural and cultural resources in
Ayrshire? Are there other opportunities besides those identified in the plan? Question 22. How should Integrated Coastal Zone Management be taken forward? What
development opportunities can be identified on the coast? Question 23. Apart from a recognition of the importance of the urban edge of the
major towns it is not proposed to introduce landscape designations into the plan other than required by European and national legislation. Is this proposed policy stance correct?
Question 24. What should be the extent and type of landscape designation necessary to
protect the urban edge from inappropriate development? Question 25. What issues or opportunities does new legislation on environmental appraisal,
design awareness, biodiversity, water quality and flooding bring to the development of strategic policy? Does the plan cover the options adequately?
Question 26. How can mineral resources be managed in a sustainable way? Question 27. Is there any other issues not covered by the questions that you think it is
important to raise?
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Please submit your comments to the AJSP 2025 Consultation Draft by 27 August 2004. The contact numbers are: By e-mail: [email protected] By letter: Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan, 15 Links Road, Prestwick KA9 1QG By phone: 01292 476716 By fax: 01292 671455
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Our Ref: 2/2/IJ/EN 15 Links Road Your Ref: Prestwick Contact: Mr Ian Johnson KA9 1QG E-Mail: [email protected] Date: June 2004 Web Page: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk Tel: 01292 476716 Fax: 01292 671455 To All Ayrshire Councillors Dear Colleague GROWING AYRSHIRE AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT As part of maintaining an up-to-date planning system, East, North and South Ayrshire Councils intend to replace the current joint structure plan for Ayrshire approved in January 2000. The Councils are now circulating a Consultation Draft of the new plan through the Joint Structure Plan Committee’s website. As the draft plan proposes a change in direction for policies in Ayrshire it has been written in a way to elicit specific answers to questions about new policy. The Consultation Draft plan is available on our website at www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk/new_structure_plan At the same site can be found background material which has formed the basis for the plan together with the previously approved plan. If you have any difficulty in gaining access to our website and the material it contains please let us know and we can send you a photocopy of the material. The consultation lasts until Friday 27 August 2004. Yours sincerely Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee
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E-MAIL AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT On behalf of East, North and South Ayrshire Councils, the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and Transportation Committee has launched a consultation document on a replacement Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan for the period 2005 to 2025. The consultation will last until 27 August 2004. The draft plan and further information, together with a questionnaire for completion is available on our website at: http://www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk/new_structure_plan If you require further information about any aspect of the consultation please get in touch with us at: [email protected] Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee Enclosures: Respondee Information Form Consultation Draft – List of Questions
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Our Ref: 2/2/EN 15 Links Road Your Ref: Prestwick Contact: Mrs Elizabeth Neill KA9 1QG E-Mail: [email protected] Date: June 2004 Web Page: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk Tel: 01292 476716 Fax: 01292 671455 To All Libraries and Council Offices in Ayrshire Dear Sir/Madam GROWING AYRSHIRE AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT As part of maintaining an up-to-date planning system, East, North and South Ayrshire Councils intend to replace the current Joint Structure Plan for Ayrshire, approved in January 2000. The Councils are now circulating a Consultation Draft of the new plan through the Joint Structure Plan Committee’s website. Could you please arrange to display the attached A4 poster in your library/offices and if you require any additional copies of the poster please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth Neill at the above number. Yours faithfully Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure & Transportation Committee Plan Enc
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GROWING AYRSHIRE
AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT
As part of maintaining an up-to-date planning system, East, North and South Ayrshire Councils intend to replace the current Joint Structure Plan for Ayrshire
approved in January 2000.
The Councils are now circulating a Consultation Draft of the new plan through the Joint Structure Plan Committee’s website and you are invited to comment or
to make representations.
The Consultation Draft plan is available on our website at:
www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk/new_structure_plan
and the Consultation lasts until Friday 27 August 2004 If you would like further information please contact us at:
Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan
15 Links Road Prestwick KA9 1QG
Tel: (01292) 476716
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2/2/IJ/EN Contact: Mr Ian Johnson Direct Dial: (01292) 673767 18 August 2004 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Page: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk To All Ayrshire Community CouncilsULATED TO ALL AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY COUNCILS Dear Sir/Madam AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT I refer to my previous letter sent to you June advising you of an important future planning policy document that I had circulated for your comment. Known as the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan 2025, this document when formally approved will set the context for development in Ayrshire for many years to come. I asked for your comments by the end of August. You may well be in the process of commenting on the Consultation Draft of the Plan at this time to fit in with the timescale – and that would be helpful. However, given there are some broad and challenging issues raised you may feel you would like a presentation on the key elements of the plan and a more informal discussion with staff. I therefore cordially invite you to a meeting to be held at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 8 September 2004 in the offices of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and Transportation Committee at 15 Links Road, Prestwick KA9 1QG. The offices are handily placed for access by both road and rail and I enclose a location plan. Coffee will be served from 6.30 pm onwards. I would be pleased to receive notification of your attendance, and the numbers involved by 3 September 2004 so that I can make the appropriate arrangements. I look forward to seeing you then. Yours sincerely Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee
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2/2/IJ/EN Contact: Mr Ian Johnson Direct Dial: (01292) 673767 3 September 2004 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Page: www.ayrshire-jsu.gov.uk CIRCULATED TO ALL AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY COUNCILS Dear Sir/Madam AYRSHIRE JOINT STRUCTURE PLAN 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT I refer to my letter of 18 August regarding the meeting to be held on Wednesday 8 September 2004 at the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan’s offices. Unfortunately due to a limited number of responses it has been decided to cancel the meeting. However, if you feel you would like to discuss the Consultation Draft on an individual basis I am quite happy to do so. If this is the case, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number above. Yours sincerely Ian Johnson Manager Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan & Transportation Committee
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WEB BASED QUESTIONNAIRE
50
51
52
ON_LINE DISCUSSION FORUM
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ON LINE FEEDBACK FORM
APPENDIX 7 - AJSP 2025: CONSULTATION DRAFT RESPONSE TO COMMENTS RECEIVED
Respondent
Comment
Response
1) ALBA Resource Recovery
• Suggest a separate section dealing with
sustainable waste management to better reflect Scottish Executive’s guidance.
Refer paragraphs 49 to 51 and to policies ECON 9 and ECON 10
2) AMEC Wind
• Support the aim to maximise the socio-
economic benefits for local communities and the region.
• The Dalmellington area should be identified in the Structure Plan map as an area of potential for large-scale wind farm development. This would enable the development of AMEC’s Kyle renewable energy project.
Policy ECON7 identifies two preferred areas of search. These are identified on the Key Diagram. The Kyle Forrest area is not a preferred area of search for wind farm development.
3) Anonymous
• Response to Q21: There are major tourist
development opportunities in Kilmarnock Town Centre which has been ignored. These could include "heritage trails"
The Structure Plan recognises through policies Econ 12 & Econ 13 the value and role these opportunities could play in the future economy of Ayrshire.
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involving the towns railway, whiskey, Robert Burns, & Wallace heritage. You could also add the Irvine Valley's weaving & mining heritage, as well as Alexander Fleming (Darvel area).
4) ATIS REAL Weatheralls Ltd (on behalf BAE Systems)
• There is an oversupply of land at the
company’s main facility at Monkton which they would like to release for reuse and redevelopment. Existing development plan does not assist this proposition.
• Support for the principles of spatial development strategy and the heirachy of Gateway Locations, Investment Corridors.
• Support for GPIA as a Gateway Location, but questions the inclusion of BAE systems within the overall aim of protection from non-airport development. There is a need to clarify the boundaries set aside to meet expansion needs.
• Need to define what category of development could be directed off-site.
• Support for the principle of a Core Investment Area, but communities should be defined with Prestwick/Monkton listed as on such community.
• Support for the principle of major new business and industrial development located in the Core Towns.
ECON 4 requires all surplus land to be reviewed at the earliest opportunity. Support for the Strategy is welcomed.
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• Support for the principle of Prestwick as a
Service Centre but should also include Monkton.
• Need for immediate access to A/M77 from northern side of GPIA.
• Supports principle of a direct access from Ayrshire to M74.
• Need to improve surface access to ports and to consider policy on coastal shipping development.
• Surplus BAE Systems industrial land should be considered as a regeneration opportunity and that the key location is Prestwick Aerospace Park not BAE Systems.
• Concern over potential flooding issues to the north of GPIA.
• Support for broad allocation of housing land, but wishes housing expansion within Core Investment Area outside the Core Towns to be confined to Service Centres.
• Greater support should be given to out-of-centre non-food retailing on sites with close proximity to town centres, eg. BAE Systems site.
ECON 1 promotes an Action Plan for Glasgow Prestwick airport and the surrounding area.
Refer to Policy Trans 5 See comments above New development will require to take into account the requirements of Policy ENV 8 Retail development will be directed toward town centres to sustain their vitality and viability.
5) Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce – Patricia Kennedy
• Vision needs to be more specific to
Ayrshire and centred on the challenges. • What historic evidence is there to support
The Structure Plan has sought to reflect the requirements of the National Planning Framework which identifies Central Ayrshire
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Core Towns strategy being of more benefit than another approach.
• Do GROS population projections take account of M77.
• Increasing population is dependent on increasing business and jobs.
• Gateway locations agreed, need to develop infrastructure between gateways.
• Need to consider alternatives to Core Investment Area.
• Opportunity to live in high quality rural location with easy access to airports and cities is one of the most attractive features of Ayrshire but – re allowing housing in the country - doubt ability to develop and protect.
• Disagree with brownfield priority over greenfield.
• Out of town centres appear to offer advantages over town centres and this should be explored.
• Community ownership of renewable energy initiatives could be explored.
• Natural and cultural resources as a basis for tourism are one of Ayrshires best and under-developed opportunities. Need more promotion; historic trails(Bruce and Wallace; Burns; discoverers; scientists; inventors); and development of rural assets.
as a priority area within Ayrshire for economic investment. No – Projections are based on historical trends. See previous comment re. NPF Policy COMM 5 provides a context for future housing development in the Countryside.
National Planning policy encourages the re-use of vacant and derelict land. The context for future retail expansion is set out in Policy COMM6
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• Concerned that only EU and national
landscape designations may leave Ayrshire’s assets vulnerable.
• Concerned about loss of green space within urban areas and edge of town.
The Structure Plan recognises through policies Econ 12 & Econ 13 the value and role these opportunities could play in the future economy of Ayrshire. Policy ENV1-ENV7 provide a framework within which landscape, heritage & natural heritage resources can be safeguarded.
6) British Wind Energy Association
Comments relate specifically to paras. 2.38 – 4.11 and Strategic Policy 1 • Timber sector can be promoted through the
development of a sustainable biomass industry, but the further the green fuel source is from the power station the less carbon-neutral the process is.
• Attracting inward investment of renewable energy systems depends on both the local resource and the planning framework – which should be positive and proactive.
• Councils should consider the development of a renewable energy strategy.
• The areas identified for further windfarm development appear suitable but BWEA is concerned at their small size and wishes to object to the identified areas as they stand.
ECON 6 recognises the opportunities Ayrshire has to develop renewable energy systems. Policy ECON7 identifies two preferred areas of search. These are identified on the Key Diagram. The areas are extensive covering the Whitelee Forest area and parts of southern Carrick.
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• Concern that the LUC landscape study
identifies the Dalmellington area as suitable for windfarm development, but this has been excluded on grounds of impact on GPIA. It may be possible for this impact to be mitigated and thus the Dalmellington area should be included. This applies also to proposals at Afton.
• There is a general concern that plan is too restrictive of windfarm development along the southern Ayrshire edge, and does not recognise the potential of former opencast areas.
• Specific policy should be replaced with a criteria based approach to windfarm development or with modified locational policy based on a revised criteria.
• Further development of biomass could be developed through approaches to Forum for Renewable Energy Development particularly when linked to community development.
• Plan should promote wind energy as tourist attractions.
• Plan needs to consider a statement that windfarms should be considered outside the preferred areas.
• It is noted that renewable energy projects support rural development.
The Kyle Forrest area is not a preferred area of search for wind farm development
Policy ECON7 promotes preferred areas of search and criteria for the assessment of wind farm development out with these areas. The opportunities presented by biomass are recognised and reflected through policies ECON6 and ECON 14 Windfarm proposals wiil be require to meet the criteria established in ECON7.
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• The methodology on modelling windfarm
capacity is questioned and should be developed to ensure consensus with all stakeholders.
• Para 3.36 lacks clarity in relation to environmental/landscape considerations.
• BWEA supports the principle of community involvement.
• Para 3.38 causes concern and should be removed, the renewable energy developers and the market should decide what is feasible. Concern that plan currently represents an either/or scenario between wind and biomass, yet biomass development is still some way off (post 2010?).
• Agree with statements on land management practice for rural areas.
The section on renewable energy has been re-draughted. This was not intended-The plan seeks to stimulate a portfolio of different renewable technologies and solutions.
7) Clowes Developments (Scotland) Limited
• The company has ownership of an area of
land adjacent to the ongoing Dykesmain Development in Saltcoats. The land extends to some 80 acres and could produce a significant housing supply.
Noted
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8) Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
• Final “aim” should be changed to
“safeguard, enhance and promote the quality of the environment” because of links through education and tourism as a contributor to quality of life and economic development.
• Need for infrastructure development around Fairlie to support development of Hunterston.
• Rural areas can support the strategy through the development of business, tourism and conservation management schemes – also the development of core paths/access legislation.
• Within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park there is a view that housing in the countryside should be small scale and appropriate to their location and traditional styles.
• Windfarm development should be constrained within protected landscapes and other areas important for biodiversity, tourism and recreation. Plan should indicate areas where large windfarms are less likely to gain consent.
• Possibility for the establishment of research facility for renewal energy of all forms – intermediate technology centre with links to tourism and education.
Policy ECON 13 seeks to build on the strengths Ayrshire has, particularly in promoting the quality of its environment. Hunterston is given “Gateway” status in policy ECON 1. Developers will be expected to contribute towards overcoming any existing infrastructure constraints. Agreed refer to policy ECON 12,14 and ENV4 Policy COMM 5 sets a context within which proposals for single or small scale residential development can be assessed. Policy ECON7 promotes preferred areas of search and criteria for the assessment of wind farm development out with these areas. Windfarm proposals will be required to meet the criteria established in ECON7
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• For landscape policy there should be an
indication where large scale development is not encouraged due to cultural, environmental or recreational constraints.
The protection of the landscape character is given prime consideration in National Scenic Areas & Sensitive Landscape areas.
9) Communities Scotland
• The aims of the Structure Plan are
generally supported. • Policies adopted by Community Planning
Partnerships with respect to regeneration should be taken in account when developing the Structure Plan.
• The Structure Plan should be supported by Local Housing Strategies.
• The potential impact of the exemption of the Right to Buy in Pressured Areas could be acknowledged in the final plan.
• The Community Hierarchy does not appear to have been set within the context of Housing Market Areas.
• A geographic dimension to the population dynamics identified should be included.
• An aim to develop Ayrshire as a place which is attractive and accessible to visitors both within and outwith the area could be included in the strategy.
• Regeneration strategies should focus on areas identified in the worst 15% of data
Welcomed The Structure Plan seeks to develop ideas and concepts that have emerged in a number of key Ayrshire documents since 2000 and links to the community planning process in all Councils.
This is not the intent of the Community Hierarchy. Refer paragraph 5 The Community Planning process have developed initiatives to tackle the many
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zones by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
• It should be identified that the East Ayrshire Coalfield area is currently within the East Ayrshire Coalfield Area Social Inclusion Partnership which is being integrated into the Community Planning Partnership.
• The discussion regarding housing requirements would benefit from greater explanation in terms of anticipated household numbers as opposed to population figures.
• A clear statement of support for Affordable Housing provision should be included.
complex issues involved in regeneration. The Structure Plan provides a strategic land use context for specific action on the ground. Within this context two regeneration priorities, Irvine Bay and the Coalfield communities are identified as national priorities in COMM1.
Tables 1 2 & 3 seek to provide this context. Refer to policy COMM 4
10) Confederation Of UK Coal Producers (Coalpro)
• Welcome recognition and relevance of
current preferred areas for opencast coal extraction.
• Advocate that mineral resources can be managed in a sustainable way by ensuring that new sites are made available timeously to replace sites that are exhausting and that mineral resources are not unnecessarily sterilised by other forms of development.
• Mineral extraction provides significant opportunities to enhance and not merely maintain bio-diversity.
Noted The requirement for new sites will be monitored and kept under review. Proposals to extend the supply of land for mineral working can be considered against the criteria in Policy ENV 13. Noted
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11) Containers Limited – Jerry Mulders
• Mining: Opencast mining which has
ravaged the Doon & Nith Valley seems to continue unabated with extension after extension. I have recently become concerned at the number of opencast sites that seem to be left "un-restored" after the developers have taken their dues. … I think an extended period of recovery from industrial exploitation should be allowed in communities once opencast operations move on to new areas.
• Windfarms: Windfarm structures have the potential to dominate skylines, rendering the spectacular natural environment as "industrial sprawl". Although these are claimed to be for the salvation of the environment careful placement away from areas would ensure that other opportunities like tourism are not disadvantaged. The scale of the new generation of turbines completely dominates the countryside. Windfarm developments do not bring any long term employment opportunities and actually contribute to the decline of the sought after tourism that we are just starting to benefit from. Visitors still view Scotland as wild, unspoilt beautiful countryside, one of the few places left in Europe.
The East Ayrshire Open Cast Coal Subject Plan addresses these issues. Noted
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• Biomass: The potential to see the old
opencast/forestry converted to vast areas of shrubland, which is regularly harvested will not contribute to the visual beauty that is so important to fledgling tourism opportunities. Promises of large-scale employment in this industry to not appear realistic. Coppice does not contribute an awful lot to recreational and tourism opportunities. It would seem sensible to have these developments take place in separate, reasonably small designated areas and prevent a massive blanket effect.
• Tourism/ Recreation: The biggest potential I see for this area is tourism both from home and abroad. Dalmellington is the gateway to Dumfries & Galloway forest and marked on all European tourist maps as a recommended route. The colossal scars that opencast inflicts on the environment does not help encourage visitors to stay and support the local economy and to use of facilities the Doon Valley has to offer.
• Environmental Justice: The commercial coal extraction, unnatural forestry, wind turbines and the potential biomass blanket all have or will take their toll on the community, with heavy goods vehicle movements, dust, noise and visual pollution. Is it not time to give the Valley a
Noted Noted Noted
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rest from industrial exploitation, and give us the opportunity to reap the substantial rewards of our very own efforts in tapping in to the available tourism market right on our doorstep.
12) Dalmellington Community Council
• Concerns regarding the designation of the
Dalmellington area for wind farm development. Area is attempting to regenerate through tourism which may be curtailed by wind farm development in the vicinity.
Policy ECON7 identifies two preferred areas of search. These are identified on the Key Diagram. The areas are extensive covering the Whitelee Forest area and parts of southern Carrick. The Dalmellington area is not a preferred area of search for wind farm development
13) Dawn Developments Limited
• There is a continuing role for out of centre
retail parks. The range of products classed as “bulky” sold from these centres should be extended.
• The private sector along with relevant agencies should be able to develop the economic potential of locations associated with Robert Burns.
New retail floorspace in out of centre locations will be restricted to Do-It-Yourself, furniture, carpets, electrical and gardening goods. Refer policy ECON 13
14) Dee, Dave & Marilyn, Arran
• Concerned at high and still rising prices of
property on Arran. Keen to buy property however income levels are low, £10,000 per annum. This prohibits a mortgage.
The structure Plan recognises that the demand for affordable housing in Arran exceeds supply. The Local Plan for Arran will be required to introduce provision for affordable housing
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Many people face a very uncertain future as they cannot afford to live in the community that is their own once they leave tied accommodation.
where this is justified against a housing need assessment. Policy COMM 5 sets a context within which proposals for single or small scale residential development can be assessed.
15) DPP (on behalf of Comstock Land Holdings and Hallam Land Management)
• Land at North West Kilmarnock is
considered to be the most suitable site for large-scale housing release in Kilmarnock and fits with the emerging Structure Plan policy to promote the Core Investment Area towns, including Kilmarnock, for large-scale housing development to retain and attract residents to Ayrshire. The site being promoted extends to c 520 acres and can accommodate a significant proportion of the Structure Plan housing requirement.
• Question 2 - Measures taken by the structure plan to stabilise population levels are welcomed. Approach taken could lead to Ayrshire making positive contributions to national aspirations. Stable population target seen as being realistic.
• Question 3 - The seven principles aims of the strategy are supported.
• Question 4 - Would wish Rowallen business park strategic industrial site to be identified as a Gateway location.
Schedule 5 identifies North West, West and South Kilmarnock as preferred locations for future housing expansion. Specific sites in these areas will be brought forward through local plans and the preparation of Master Plans. Noted Noted Gateway locations are limited to those identified in ECON 1 The Rowallan Business is location is a Strategic Business Location, refer policy ECON2.
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• Question 5 - Support the identification of
area surrounding Ayr, Irvine, and Kilmarnock as the Core Investment Area.
• Question 6 - The Spatial Development Strategy, which includes Core Investment Area Towns, Service Centres, Investment Corridors, Gateway Locations etc could be confusing. The strategy should be simplified and greater emphasis placed on the Core Investment Area.
• Question 7 - The size of the site would incorporate a range of house types, neighbourhood shopping, release substantial funds to improve infrastructure and would improve the marketability of the Rowallan Business park. These factors would help realise the potential of Kilmarnock.
• Question 13 - Housing release should be directed to the most marketable locations. The site could accommodate a build rate of 350 units per annum over the Structure Plan period. The site fits the strategic planning agenda and the suggested criteria for housing release.
Welcomed Noted Significant new housing land release is to be achieved through the preparation of appropriate masterplans and the principles of Schedule 1. It is recognised that Kilmarnock is a marketable location for housing. The build rate is noted.
16) Drivers Jonas (on behalf of NHS Ayrshire & Arran Community Health Division)
• The existing policy (affordable housing)
within the approved 1999 Joint Ayrshire Structure Plan provides sufficient guidance
COMM 4 replaces L6
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for all three local authorities (Policy L6).
• If paragraph 3.20 is to form the basis of a future policy it needs to be made clear that the requirement to provide affordable housing is only applicable to housing developments. In addition, a definition or a minimum size/unit threshold of what constitutes a major land release for residential development should be included. This will avoid the potential for disagreement between developers and the Councils and also the possibility for a policy to be applied in a vastly different manner in each of the three separate Council areas.
• We are not convinced that a proposed change to policy which would reflect paragraph 3.20 of the Consultation Draft would assist in the actual delivery of affordable housing in Ayrshire. Neither are we convinced that this should be the role of strategic policy in relation to affordable housing.
To address deficiencies, affordable policies in local plans will be prepared, in general all local plans should seek affordable housing contributions consistent with local housing strategies.
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17) Dumfries and Galloway Council
• Need to take account of the Glen App and
Galloway Moors Special Protection Area designation (designated 3/2003) in which there is a presumption against windfarm development and which is adjacent to and immediately to the south of the proposed ‘preferred commercial windfarm’ area in the consultative draft.
The statutory protection afforded to international and natural heritage designations is recognised. This area is not within the preferred areas of search for wind farm development.
18) E.ON UK Renewables Limited
• Inclusion of policy to guide commercial
wind farm development is appreciated. The areas suggested for wind farm development appear to be suitable.
• It is unclear how wind farm schemes outwith designated areas would be dealt with. Policy to clarify this is desirable.
• It is deemed that the area close to the Afton Valley and the existing Windy Standard wind farm should be included in the preferred areas for wind farms.
• It would be more appropriate to have a criteria based policy to apply generally before directing attention to specific parts of the landscape.
Noted ECON 7 provides criteria against which proposals outwith the preferred area of search will be assessed. This area is not within a preferred area of search. Refer to ECON 7.
19) East Renfrewshire Council (Environment Department)
• Generally support the Vision Statement
and Strategic Aims.
Welcomed
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• Publishing consultation in solely
electronic format may have excluded those without access to a computer.
• Major residential expansion and attempts to safeguard and enhance the natural environment may produce conflicts of interest.
• Housing land releases are not programmed or considered in the context of prior releases throughout the life of the plan.
• Housing cannot be relied upon to provide economic growth and may lead to increased commuting to the Glasgow conurbation.
• The overall scale of new housing allocated is deemed somewhat excessive.
• Reasons for the discount of some established housing supply in overall figures are unclear.
The consultation Draft was available in a printed format on request. The written statement has been published and is available electronically. Major housing release will be achieved through the preparation of master-plans which incorporate the principles set out in Schedule1 A programming of release is illustrated in Table 2 & Schedule 5. Noted The scale is comparable with housing requirements required to retain population in Ayrshire at 368,000
20) Energy Agency
• Support the promotion of renewable
energy as an economic and sustainability driver for local communities.
• Local renewable energy targets should be anticipated now and therefore renewable energy production should be promoted for its own sake.
Welcomed Noted
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• Consideration should be given to making
renewable energy a requirement in certain types of development.
• Support encouragement of publicly and community owned schemes but this should not be at the expense of private schemes.
• Support the identification of particular zones as having good wind farm potential but this should be a flexible policy.
• Scale and cumulative effects of wind farms need to be closely monitored.
• Local authorities should be encouraged to raise awareness of the impacts and benefits of wind farms.
• Advances in technology should be able to address public safety and security constraints.
Refer Schedule 1- Developer Obligations Noted Welcomed ECON 7 requires the cumulative impact of known development proposals to be taken into account. Noted
21) Evans, Mr Michael S
• Supports the spatial development strategy
and in particular development in rural areas that are suffering from population loss.
Support welcomed.
22) Farningham McCreadie Partnership
• South East Ayr Settlement Expansion
Area and adjoining lands (including land at Glenparks) be given full and positive consideration as a sustainable location for
Schedule 5 identifies South East Ayr as a preferred location for future housing expansion.
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future housing and /or commercial development by the Ayrshire Councils. The land/location should be given a "safeguard for future development status" (map & boundary of site provided).
Specific sites in these areas will be brought forward through local plans and the preparation of Master Plans.
23) Farningham McCreadie Partnership (on behalf of Hermiston Estates)
• It is considered residential development of
an appropriate scale and density incorporating sensitive structure planting and landscaping can offer logical sustainable extensions to smaller settlements within the defined investment corridors. The Ayrshire Councils should make provision in the Structure Plan to allow for further residential development within smaller rural settlements such as Minishant.
Policy COMM5 presumes in favour of housing development within existing communities, such as Minishant.
24) Firth of Clyde Forum
• Welcome the commitment to sustainable
development but there should be more explicit references to it.
• The need to balance economic development with environmental considerations should be made more explicit.
• The third principle aim should relate to ‘sustainable’ economic development.
Noted Schedule 1 seeks to promote principles of sustainable development as a prime consideration in the preparation of development plans.
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• The fourth principle aim referring to
economic growth should be subject to a requirement to consider the environmental impact.
• Agree with Hunterston, Ayr and Troon being identified as Gateway Locations.
• Rural coastal communities can support economic development through sustainable tourism and recreational use of the coast.
• More should be made of the environmental assets of the Clyde coast and the need to enhance and maintain them for tourism and recreation.
• Support the proposals for improved transport links in Ayrshire and encouraging walking, cycling and public transport networks to reduce reliance on the private car.
• Support references to port investment at Hunterston, Ayr and Troon.
• Support the recognition the Clyde coastline and islands are given in the draft Plan.
• Some issues, especially marina developments, should be approached in a strategic manner.
• Firth of Clyde Forum has the expertise in the Clyde area to work on Integrated Coastal Zone Management within the
Proposals which contribute to the development of a major integrated coast based tourism leisure and recreational area focused on the Firth of Clyde and the islands of Arran, Cumbraes and Ailsa Craig will be encouraged. Refer ECON 13 (B) Noted Welcomed This can be addressed through the implementation of policy ENV 10
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area, in partnership with the individual Ayrshire Councils and the Structure Plan team.
• Draft Plan should refer to the Firth of Clyde Forum Integrated Management Strategy and Action Plan.
25) Forestry Commission
• Vision should incorporate Ayrshire's
contribution to the growth of Scotland. • Strategic aims supported. • Trees & Woodland can make a significant
contribution to the quality of the environment around towns and investment corridors. Propose additional corridors along the A713 and A714.
• Rural economies supported by adding value in woodland processing.
• Welcome housing in the countryside where developments use timber in construction and or heating.
• Inclusion of bypasses welcome-some on key timber haulage routes. Improvements to access to the M74 sought to improve flow of timber products to southern markets.
• Trees and woodlands make a positive contribution to community regeneration as demonstrated by East Ayrshire Woodlands. Trees & woodlands provide
The Vision statement has been reworded. Welcomed The A713 Corridor has been added. Noted COMM 5 provides the strategic framework for housing in the countryside. Policy TRANS 5 recognise the significance of an east-west link to the M74 has for business. Noted
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an important component in the restoration of former industrial sites and opencast sites but require long term commitments.
• Supports the release of small areas of woodland in localities defined by Communities Scotland to meet social housing need. Social housing site selection should take account of landscape, recreation use, forest users and forest environment and impact on road and utility infrastructure.
• Timber resources and timber industry can be promoted by adding value to local products and developing the current skill base. Implementation of the Ayrshire & Arran Woodland Strategy will help promote the industry.
• Support windfarm development in forest areas. Windfarms in forested areas provide opportunities for restructuring. Wind farms operations can also benefit from existing infrastructure. Forests can easily absorb wind farm construction impacts such as borrow pits. Biodiversity and recreation mitigation measures funded through wind farm developments provide opportunities to increase social benefits of individual forests. Wind farm proposals at Whitelee Forest and Kyle Forest near
Refer COMM4 and COMM5 Agreed
Two preferred areas of search for windfarm development are identified. These cover the Whitelee forest and Southern Carrick Forest areas (Part). Kyle Forest is not a preferred area of search. Noted
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Dalmellington have been worked up with the support of Forest Enterprise Scotland.
• Do not support brash as a preferred material for energy production.
• Support use of former industrial sites for short rotation coppice (SRC).
• SRC provides opportunity for farm diversification on appropriate sites.
• Significant opportunity for small scale community fired heating systems.
• Illustrates, in support of tourism, significant investment by Forest Enterprise Scotland, North Ayrshire Council/EU in providing paths and cycle tracks during replanting operations on Arran. Consider Whitelee Forest offers similar opportunities- early restructuring in conjunction with the wind farm proposal will contribute significantly to amenity and access potential of the forest. Galloway Forest currently recognised as a major visitor attraction. Advocates greater linkage between "hinterland" attractions and more developed coastal tourism opportunities.
• Water Framework Directive-Ayrshire relatively free of watercourses affected by surface water acidification of atmospheric origin.
Noted Noted Facilities that encourage open access to the Whitelee Forest and Galloway Forest are welcomed. The three Ayrshire councils will work with other agencies to introduce the water Framework directive into planning policy.
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• Woodlands play a part in the restoration
of mineral sites.
26) Garden History Society
• Consider that more emphasis should be
placed on the protection of gardens and designed landscapes included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland Volume 2, Dumfries and Galloway and Strathclyde. Ideally these sites should be identified and named within the document and marked on accompanying plans. In addition to Inventory sites, we would wish to see provision made for any site identified in any future supplement to the Inventory.
• Also concerned that gardens and designed landscapes not considered worthy of inclusion in the Inventory but which are nevertheless of regional or local importance are not currently identified in any developments and are not therefore afforded any protection under current planning legislation.
Policy ENV 6 gives protection to Historic Gardens and Designed landscapes.
27) General Aviation Awareness Council
• Seek inclusion of policy in Structure Plan
relating to General Aviation, wording suggested.
Request for additional policy noted. The Structure Plan seeks to recognise the importance Glasgow Prestwick Airport through Policy ECON1.
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The establishment of flying sites for other types of aviation (such as microlites) can be addressed through local planning policy and consideration of specific proposals on their merits.
28) Gibson, J Mark
• Concerns over the efficiency of wind
farms relative to their environmental damage.
• Marine and bio-fuels offer advantages over wind turbines in employment and landscape terms.
• Wind farm development could impede other regeneration efforts around Dalmellington
• fully support 2 proposed wind energy search areas.
• Support aim of relating number and capacity of turbines to Ayrshire’s share of energy use.
• Dalmellington and Upper Doon Valley have enormous potential for environmental and economic regeneration which would be incompatible with wind farm development and should therefore be classified as sensitive to wind energy development and only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Policy ECON7 promotes preferred areas of search and criteria for the assessment of wind farm development out with these areas. The Dalmellington area is not a preferred area of search.
The opportunities presented by biomass are recognised and reflected through policies ECON6 and ECON 14
Windfarm proposals will be require to meet criteria established in ECON7. Action to support a significant improvement in environmental quality is also recognised through Policy COMM1 (C )
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• Policy should have a general presumption
against wind turbines combined with an enthusiastic approach to renewable energy from biomass and biofuels.
29) Girvan Horizons
• Vision statement should be extended to
include “…enjoying at least the levels of opportunity…”
• Ayrshire could take a lead in Scottish Executive’s “Fresh Talent” initiative.
• Grangestone industrial site can be regarded as a Gateway location on A77.
• There is considerable potential to develop Ailsa Craig as a major tourist opportunity linked with Girvan
The Vision statement has been rewritten. The “Fresh Talent” initiative will support growth in population across all of Scotland. The significance of Grangestone is recognised in Policy ECON 2 and Schedule 9- Freight Interchange Locations
30) GL Hearn Property Consultants (on behalf of CG Property, part of Co-op Group)
• The vision statement appears to set the
correct agenda for the future, however, it is too general and lacks any indication of a clear strategy. Statement appears slightly disjointed.
• Support the attempt to reverse decline in population. Suggest this requires a more integrated response than simply providing additional housing units. Improving the attractiveness of Ayrshire as a place to work & live is essential. This could be
Noted The plan promotes a range of measures to improve the competitiveness of the Ayrshire economy. These include investment in the road & rail network and water and sewerage systems.
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undertaken by improving accessibility, promoting economic growth and prosperity throughout Ayrshire and including the development of new, varied and well located residential environments. Agree that the plan should set aspirational targets to arrest decline and then grow the population.
• Supports the seven principle aims of the Spatial Development Strategy.
• Suggest the development of the Gateway Locations should be through the implementation of development frameworks which focus on the future land requirements for the anticipated development of each location. The provisions of Structure Plan and subsequent local plan are the most appropriate policy frameworks for supporting investment and encouraging growth. Suggest a Masterplan should be prepared which promotes the concept of development at Glasgow Prestwick International Airport.
• Suggest that focusing future development to the Core Investment Areas is only part of the solution. A balance between developing these settlements and smaller settlements is required, this should not be to the detriment of smaller settlements.
A range of housing opportunities will be released through revisions to Local Plans. Welcomed Policy ECON 1 requires the preparation of an Action Plan for Glasgow Prestwick Airport and the surrounding area. Approximately two thirds of future housing allocations will be directed toward the Core area. A significant proportion of the remainder will go to the Corridors. Schedule 3- Community hierarchy and STRAT 2 seek to provide safeguards for local communities.
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• Concerned that the concentration of
development in the core towns will impact adversely on small local shopping provision. Structure Plan should seek to safeguard local shopping facilities in smaller Ayrshire towns.
• Support the concept of the six investment corridors, managed to take advantage of the principal population and transportation nodes.
• The potential of Ayr, Irvine & Kilmarnock can be realised through the attraction of new economic investment to these locations. Structure Plan should establish a policy requirement for local plans to identify specific development strategies and frameworks for these towns.
• Support the hierarchy of communities in schedule 1.
• Rural development within existing settlements should be promoted, in particular retail development. Existing retail provision should be protected from the development of large format supermarkets in Ayrshire. Rural areas should neither be ignored in favour of development in the towns nor restricted to providing recreation opportunities for urban residents.
Welcomed Refer to Policy STRAT2. Welcomed STRAT 2 seeks to support and encourage appropriate scales of residential and business development in rural communities, particularly if this could diversify the economic base of the area.
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• Support the principle of more housing
being built in the countryside in appropriate locations and provided they maintain the existing rural character and amenity in Ayrshire.
• Support improvements to transport links to the Airport.
• Support the identified regeneration areas. Wish more support offered to the regeneration of smaller communities.
• Would wish a suitable variety of housing locations to be identified, rather than concentrating such development on a limited number of strategic sites.
• Consider that the completion of the A77 and Southern Orbital Route around Glasgow improves the potential of Ayrshire as an investment locations, concerned on the adequacy of land in key industrial locations. Policies should be in place to assess future demands and deal with new investment that has specific locational need.
• Support the sequential approach which directs retail development to town centres. A review of retail capacity should be undertaken. Imperative Structure Plan policy safeguards existing local shopping provision and promotes new provision
Noted Noted Noted See comment above The Ayrshire Councils will monitor take-up of land for economic investment. A survey of retail capacity has been completed. This is the intent of Structure Plan policy.
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where a clear qualitative and quantitative deficiency is identified.
• Current greenbelt designation for Ayrshire is not an effective mechanism for protecting the urban edge from inappropriate development. In order to achieve a balance between promoting development and restricting development appropriate mechanisms to Greenbelt designation should be considered as part of the Structure plan process. Structure plan policy that requires urban containment within Ayrshire would be more appropriate than Greenbelt designations. Support the introduction of coherent strategic and landscape criteria to replace greenbelt policy.
This is proposed through Policy ENV 3- Core Investment Area Landscape.
31) GL Hearn (on behalf of Mr David Willis, Shields Farm, Monkton)
• Advocates the introduction of a Structure
plan policy, which promotes integrated master planning of land around Prestwick Airport, bounded by the A77 and A78. Without the requirement to address the area’s development needs in an integrated manner, benefits offered by better connections, runway related activity could be lost.
This request is reflected in Policy ECON1
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32) Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee
• In general the document is welcomed. • Clarification is sought on the economic
drivers of the strategy, the population targets which may increase car borne commuting, the phasing of the plan, the extent of the housing allocations, the role of the investment corridors, the relationship with Westrans Joint Transport Strategy and the relationship between wind farm locations in Ayrshire and the Glasgow & Clyde Valley area.
Support welcomed. Refer to list of meetings held.
33) Health & Safety Executive
• Does not conform to COMAH
regulations, specifically European Council Directive 96/82/EC (Sevesco II), EC amendment directive 2003/105/EC. Also contrary to regulation 7 of the Town & Country Planning (Structure & Local Plans) ( Scotland) Regulations 19983 (9) as amended by Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2000.
• Meeting sought to discuss amendment of plan to meet the above requirements.
Policy STRAT1, Schedule 1 has been included to meet the requirements of the Directive and Regulations.
34) HG Planning (Atrium Homes)
• The possible expansion of Stewarton, as
the main Service Centre in the "Glasgow
Stewarton is a preferred location for Housing expansion. Any significant new housing release will be achieved through the preparation of a
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Link Investment Corridor", provides an opportunity to address numerous housing issues that affect the settlement at present. Affordable housing, rent to buy, care in the community, elderly persons' housing and private sector housing can be provided through a comprehensive development of the Nether Robertland site, Stewarton (57 acres approximately).
master plan incorporating the principles of Schedule 1. It will be the role of the local plan to identify specific sites.
35) Homes for Scotland
• Agree with the Vision Statement’s
emphasis on economic growth as the driving force to achieve the social and environmental aims.
• The strategy is compatible with the housebuilding industry’s view that those parts of Ayrshire that enjoy good accessibility are a growing housing market with good potential to maintain and expand that growth.
• Generally support the seven principle aims set out in the plan. The aims should include a more specific reference to the need to identify adequate levels of housing land and encourage new housing development.
• House building is a major contributor to the Scottish economy and should be
Noted Noted Refer to second objective paragraph 5 Noted
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recognised as such in any Plan seeking to promote economic growth.
• Homes for Scotland would suggest that the M77 is a key spatial feature for the area and locations within that corridor may have potential as a further gateway. However it is correct that the M77 should be identified as an Investment Corridor.
• The Core Investment Area is realistic, offering the main concentrations of population and employment. A combined population of 160,000 offers the opportunity to plan for facilities in an integrated and co-operative way across the three main towns.
• There is concern that the identification of both a core investment area and six Investment Corridors will result in insufficient resources to stimulate growth in them all and the Finalised Plan should perhaps refine analysis of the potential of these areas and seek to address priorities in more detail through an accompanying Action Plan. Question whether the Investment Corridors represent strategic drainage catchments in terms of water and drainage infrastructure.
• Resources may have to be prioritised towards investment in the three Core Towns and in adjacent settlements and
Noted Paragraphs 18-19 sets out the role of the investment corridors which are identified in Schedule 2.
House buying patterns are monitored closely.
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links in order to realise economic growth potential. In terms of housebuilding these towns will be the focus of their sub-markets but it must be recognised that housebuying behaviour extends across wider areas nowadays and, in accordance with national planning guidance a range of locations, house types and sizes should be planned for.
• Homes for Scotland agree that rural areas offer attractive alternative living environments for people who may wish to work in urban areas. Whilst further rural housing should be encouraged this should not detract from the emphasis on the Core Area and the Corridors.
• It may be appropriate to identify areas where new housing should not be built and operate a presumption in favour in all other locations subject to criteria based policies to direct its scale, function and design. Landscape Character Assessment is helpful in this respect, however, such assessments should recognise that historically there were more houses in the countryside than is the case today.
• The development of stronger housing markets in regeneration areas will be dependent on substantial economic and environmental regeneration initiatives.
Noted It is not the intent of the Structure plan to exclude opportunities for appropriate development occurring in communities outside the main development areas.
Noted- Two national regeneration areas are identified.
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• Homes for Scotland agrees with the broad
level of housing set out in Table 2. The distribution of the housing over the three council areas seems reasonable. It is considered that Ayr has the more critical role of the three. The housing requirements should be divided into the periods 2005-2012, 2012-2017 and 2017 onwards. The requirements will have to be related to some degree to issues such as forecasts of economic and employment growth and to matter such as infrastructure constraints. In accordance with SPP3, the policy framework should allow these broad phases of allocation to be readily modified to take account of changing circumstances.
• The methodology for assessing future housing land requirements should take account of the unmet demand for housing as well as projected demand based upon past trends in household formation. Guidance requires that development plans and local housing strategies are aligned but at present methodological problems clearly exist to prevent this.
• Development plans and local housing strategies also need to be aligned in terms of identifying the most pressured areas
This is reflected in table 2 and schedule 5 Provisions will be monitored annually.
The assessment is based on guidance provided in PAN 38- Housing Land The requirements to provide affordable housing are recognised through policy COMM 4
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and areas where priority may be given to securing affordable housing. Where need can be demonstrated through robust housing needs assessments then Development Plans should show the requirements separately for private housing and other tenures. Where the need for affordable housing clearly exists Homes for Scotland has no difficulty with the concept of allocating land in plans specifically for affordable housing. Likewise it does not object in principle to proportions of sites being reserved for affordable housing provided:- • The proportions are reasonable –
taking account of viability and speed of delivery of excessive requirements on individual sites.
• The size thresholds of sites are reasonable (generally in excess of 50).
• A full range of types of affordable housing is recognised.
• Requirements are not introduced before plan adoption in order that a reasonable lead in time is given for developers and landowners to take account of emerging requirements.
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• Historic industrial and business land
allocations should be reviewed to take account of over supply and allow fresh thinking on business locations.
• Homes for Scotland agrees with concentrating retail investment in town centres. However strategic development locations may be developed through mixed use approach and an element of retail may be necessary to make such development viable.
ECON 4 seeks a review of all surplus industrial land at the earliest opportunity and where appropriate a reallocation to other uses.
36) Hume, Anthony
• Encouragement should be given to
landowners in the Garnock Valley to apply for grants to establish new woodlands in the area. These would benefit the image of Ayrshire at an important entry point to the region. The improvement of the area’s environment may also encourage people to live there.
Policies ENV 4 & ENV5 seek to stimulate further woodland planting within the investment corridors.
37) Hunterston Hydrogen Ltd
• Concurs generally with response of
British Wind Energy Association (see Response No. 6).
• Need to view renewable energy developments more as business activities rather than in isolation.
The importance of renewal energy solutions to the economy and communities is recognised through Policy ECON 6
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• Sustainability of rural communities could
be enhanced by relaxing EIA for small developments (less than 10 MW or 5 turbines).
• Oppose the ‘zoning’ of 2 areas of commercial wind farm development as it creates a presumption against developments outwith, which may act as a development constraint.
• Need to define additional criteria other than landscape eg. areas within 5 km of transmission and distribution networks; areas outwith statutory designations; noise limits.
• Conclusion that Ayrshire cannot meet 2020 targets locally needs further scrutiny.
• Structure plan should not prescribe preferences for renewables without justification.
Policy ECON7 promotes preferred areas of search and criteria for the assessment of wind farm development out with these areas.
Windfarm proposals will be require to meet criteria established in ECON7.
38) Individual (name & address withheld)
• Rural diversity in terms of housing and
the economy should be encouraged.
Policy ECON 14 seeks to promote rural diversification through appropriate rural housing and small business development.
39) Inverclyde Council
• Aspirations contained within sections
"investing in communities" and "protection of the Natural & Built
Welcomed
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Environment" are commended. Concerns raised over aspiration concerning future population level to be planned for, the implications this would have for housing land release and therefore neighbouring authorities.
• Raise concern over the number, scale and form of the "Investment Corridors", three of which are in North Ayrshire, these could have implications for Inverclyde.
• Housing proposals & strategy in AJSP Consultation Draft present a serious threat to Inverclyde's waterfront regeneration and "new Neighbourhoods" initiative and would serve to undermine the future regeneration of Inverclyde.
• Seek meeting in conjunction with GCVSP Structure Plan Manager to discuss implications raised.
The assessment of housing requirement is based on advice within PAN 38- Housing Land It is not the intent of the strategy to threaten the regeneration of the Inverclyde Waterfront or Inverclyde in general. In 2004 only 15 households moved from Inverclyde to new build homes in Ayrshire.
Refer to list of meeting held.
40) James Barr Chartered Surveyors Planning Consultants
• The growth in retail expenditure on
convenience goods should be taken into account.
• There should be provision for additional retail development for convenience and comparison goods in Ayrshire, particularly East Ayrshire, due to the increased population sought by the plan.
A retail capacity has been completed .
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• The principle of maintaining retail in
town centre locations is accepted but allocations for out of town centre retail developments should also be made.
Support for town centres welcomed. Future retail investment will be assessed against policy COMM 6.
41) James Barr Chartered Surveyors Planning Consultants (on behalf of Alexanders’ Sawmills Ltd and Macdonald Estate Plc)
• The Heathfield area should be specifically
allocated for ‘bulky goods’ retail development in the Structure Plan.
Future retail investment will be assessed against policy COMM 6.
42) James Barr Chartered Surveyors & Planning Consultants (on behalf of AWG Residential Ltd and James Craig (Auctioneers) Ltd)
• Support the fact that the new structure
plan will have at its foundation a strategy for population recovery and prosperity through new housing opportunities as well as through economic activity.
• Support the objective to minimise population loss and then provide the basis for population growth. Referring to table 1, strongly support the upper target of stabilising Ayrshire’s population by 2017.
• Support the direction of most future development to the core settlements. The combined catchment is important to maximising opportunities for investment and development.
• The scale of housing provision set out in Table 2 is appropriate and reflective of the development potential and attractiveness
Welcomed Welcomed Noted
Noted
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of the area. It is agreed that the release of land needs to be managed.
• There needs to be recognition of the physical and other constraints to future long term growth in Ayr. Support the details in Schedule 3, however the plan should clarify the sound reasoning for directing 80% of future housing development to South and East Ayr. Indeed the finalised plan could go further and identify sustainable growth corridors to the east and south of Ayr.
• Encourage dispensing with the Ayr greenbelt in preference to an “Urban Edge” designation that provides the appropriate local landscape protection and strategic management of urban growth promoted in the draft AJSP.
The provisions for future housing in the core area and corridors are illustrated in Table 3 and Schedule 5 ENV3 promotes measures for the strategic landscape protection of the Core Area.
43) James Barr (on behalf of Elderslie Renewables Limited)
• The area identified to the north/north-east
of Kilmarnock as a preferred commercial wind farm is supported. Representation is made to increase this area to the north/north east Kilmarnock as being suitable in landscape terms for wind farm development.
The areas of search for Windfarm Development identified on the Key Diagram are significant (over 36,000 Ha, 10% of the land area of Ayrshire )
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44) James Barr Chartered Surveyors Planning Consultants (on behalf of George Wimpey Strategic Land)
• General support for the main thrust of the
strategy for population recovery and prosperity through new housing opportunities.
• A key consideration in defining housing demand should be marketability.
• Support for stabilising the population. • Spatial Development Strategy is correct
to direct development to Ayr, Irvine and Troon, but this should be balanced with some release along investment corridors, eg Stewarton where clients have an interest.
• Scale of housing release in East Ayrshire Council as in Table 2 is supported and does not consider a completion rate of 1700 houses per annum is over-ambitious.
Welcomed
Noted Stewarton is a preferred area for future housing expansion. Noted
45) James Barr Chartered Surveyors Planning Consultants (on behalf of John Thomson Construction Ltd)
• Object to the allocations for housing land
supply and in particular the lack of inclusion of the Isle of Arran as an individual potential housing area within the Draft Plan.
Provisions for housing in Arran will be brought forward through the local plan. These will require to be consistent with the targets proposed in Schedule 3.
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46) James Barr Chartered Surveyors Planning Consultants (on behalf of John Thomson Construction Limited)
• Request that the Ayrshire Joint Structure
Plan identify the Isle of Arran as having its own economy, transportation links, growing population and immediate problems with suitable accommodation, from second homes, family accommodation, executive housing, family homes, through to flatted developments and affordable units. Specific policies within the Structure Plan to facilitate a flexible planning system to allow the aforementioned important local issues to be addressed, in particular healthy provision of housing sites for all types of houses.
The Structure Plan includes a number of policies that either refers to Arran or is relevant. These include policies ECON 12, 13 & 14. It recognises the need to encourage housing investment, and recognises that in some areas such as Arran the demands for affordable housing exceed supply, refer COMM4.
47) James Barr Chartered Surveyors Planning Consultants (on behalf of Persimmon Homes (West of Scotland) Ltd)
• The Vision Statement is supported. • The upper population target for 2017
outlined in Table 1 should be pursued. • Support the strategy for the Core
Investment Areas and Investment Corridors.
• The scale of the housing allocations is supported.
The comments in support of the strategy are welcomed.
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48) James Barr (on behalf of Zoom Developments Ltd)
• Support the strategies for population
recovery and prosperity through new housing opportunities.
• Support future development being directed towards the core settlements of Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock.
• Willing to discuss the appropriate distribution of the housing allocations with the Structure Plan Team.
The comments in support of the strategy are welcomed.
49) John Dickie Homes Limited (Carolynne Sutherland (Land Buyer))
• We have no objection to the contents of
the plan, but would like to promote the further release for housing in Ayrshire given projected shortfalls. Our interest lies specifically with land in the North of Beith and land to the North of Foulpapple Road, Newmilns.
In order to achieve the targets proposed in the Structure Plan additional housing land allocation will be required. Specific sites will be the subject of future Local Plan consultation and where appropriate the preparation of master-plans.
50) Keppie Planning (on behalf of Bellway Homes)
• Land and property interests at
Tournament Park, Irvine capable of attracting significant investment in mixed use development.
• Support for the Vision and Strategic Aims of the structure plan.
Welcome the support for the strategy.
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• The plan is right in seeking to stabilise or
reverse population decline and should target improved housing choice and economic growth.
• Support for Core Investment Area and Investment Corridors as a way of facilitating brownfield development and regeneration.
• Welcomes the re-assessment of existing supply of business sites and where it is proved to be ineffective supports the promotion of alternative and more suitable uses.
• Mixed use development at Tournament Park would complement the strategy in relation to Core Investment Area; Community Regeneration; New Housing Release criteria and would help in the provision of 8,000 new units in the East Irvine area.
This has now been reflected in Policy ECON 4. In order to achieve the targets proposed in the Structure Plan additional housing land allocation will be required. Specific sites will be the subject of future Local Plan consultation and where appropriate the preparation of master-plans.
51) Keppie Planning (on behalf of organisation – name and address withheld)
• Land and property currently zoned
industrial in South East Ayr has failed to find a user.
• Site is felt to be suitable for a mixed use “new village” development including residential and business/ industrial use.
• Agree with vision and aims of the strategy.
As part of the review of surplus industrial land the site at Cockhill is deleted from the previous list of strategic industrial sites.
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• Agree that Gateway location and Core
Investment areas should be the main focus.
• Surprised that Dalmellington/ Patna/Ayr not included as an investment corridor.
• “new communities”could be added to hierarchy.
• Modern attractive employment land needed to retain employment in rural areas.
Support welcomed.
This area is now included as an investment corridor. This is reflected through Policies ECON 3 and ECON14
52) Keppie Planning (on behalf of organisation – name and address withheld)
• Land owner of a reservoir site at North
Craig, north west of Kilmarnock.. • Welcomes the content of the structure
plan. • Supports the concept of a search for
8,000 new houses around Kilmarnock, but suggests that these can be provided to the north of Kilmarnock rather than the south and west (see response to comment No. 66).
Support welcomed. In order to achieve the targets proposed in the Structure Plan additional housing land allocation will be required. Specific sites will be the subject of future Local Plan consultation and where appropriate the preparation of master-plans
53) Kingswell Developments Ltd
• It is appropriate for Ayrshire to adopt
strategies to stabilise and grow the population.
• Strategic planning is one of a very few mechanisms that can, and should, be used
Support for the strategy is welcomed.
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to influence Ayrshire’s position relative to the wider economy.
• The proposed gateway locations identified are supported, including the references to Cairnryan and Glasgow Airport.
• The potential development at Kingswell should be acknowledged.
• Gateway facilities could be ranked in more than one tier and the potential should exist to add to the list of gateway sites if others develop.
• The principle of investment corridors is supported.
• The Structure Plan should set appropriate targets for delivery of affordable housing, but should perhaps not define the mechanism to be used which might best be left to local plans.
• More should be made of Ayrshire’s local history to support tourism development. Particular attention should be given to The Covenanters.
• Kingswell has the potential to be developed as a tourist location.
The Gateways have been limited to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Hunterston and the ports of Ayr, Troon and Ardrossan Harbour . They offer international connectivity and their expansion could offer considerable national benefit. No other locations were considered to meet these criteria. Support welcomed. The implementation of the Structure Plan will be monitored and delivered through an action plan. In order to achieve the targets proposed in the Structure Plan additional housing land allocation will be required. Specific sites will be the subject of future Local Plan consultation and where appropriate the preparation of master-plans The potential for growth based on the cultural heritage of Ayrshire is recognised. The Kingswell proposal has planning approval for a range of facilities.
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54) MacRoberts Solicitors (on behalf of Glaxo Smithkline)
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at
Shewalton Road, Irvine. • Strongly support accessibility
improvements, particularly the proposals for developing the strategic road network, but find it hard to relate the proposals to the map.
• Need to give encouragement to sustainable energy development for business and commercial use such as small scale on-site generation facilities.
• Draft plan does not contain detailed policies and therefore does not comply with Article 6 of Structure Plan & Local Plan (Scotland) Regulations, requiring that policies/proposals are readily distinguishable from other contents of the plan.
• Cannot comply with Para 43 of PAN 37 recommending that consultative draft and final are presented in substantially the same form, as it does not contain detailed policies. Therefore plan will lack adequate steps to consult prior to submission.
Policy TRANS 5 outlines priorities for the development of the strategic road network. This request has been included in Policy ECON 6. Noted Noted
55) Mappin Planning & Development
(on behalf of Hawhill Estates Ltd)
• Copied letter to Ayrshire Joint Structure
Plan & Transportation Committee.
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Original letter sent to Head of Planning East Ayrshire Council in response to East Ayrshire Council’s Spatial Development Options Paper.
• Mappin Planning & Development on behalf of clients Hawkhill Estates Ltd would wish that land east of the A77 be considered for housing. The site covers 600 acres, has no contamination issues known and the full costs of infrastructure will be funded privately. Land would be made available for community infrastructure. They contend that the site is closer to the town centre than any of the other land release sites identified, there is already evidence of existing development to the east of the A77, and they see no reason why their site should not be a preferred option for East Ayrshire Council’s land review. A range of detailed studies is proposed.
In order to achieve the targets proposed in the Structure Plan additional housing land allocation will be required. Specific sites will be the subject of future Local Plan consultation and where appropriate the preparation of master-plans.
56) Mappin Planning & Development (on behalf of Macdonald Estates Plc)
• An up-to-date assessment of retail demand
and deficiencies should be carried out, the conclusions of which should be reflected within the Structure Plan.
• The Structure Plan should indicate the extent to which existing town centres can meet demand for new shopping
A assessment of future retail demand and supply has been completed. The findings have been incorporated in Schedule 6 of the Structure Plan. Sufficient land to meet the growth in retail expenditure set out in Schedule 6 is required. New investment will in the first instance be
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floorspace, and whether there is scope for new retail development outwith town centres.
• The Structure Plan should identify the scale, type and general location of any further retailing required in Kilmarnock.
• The general location of Holmquarry Road/Greenholm Street should be supported by the plan as suitable for retail/commercial leisure development.
directed to town centres. Schedule 6 quantifies the growth in retail expenditure. Kilmarnock town centre is the preferred location for this growth. Specific sites will be the subject of future local plan consultation.
57) Mappin Planning & Development (on behalf of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc)
• The policy to focus retail development to
town centres should be flexible to ensure that alternative sites outwith town centres are considered. It may not be appropriate for all town centres to remain as the main focus for retail development.
• Support full review of existing retail provision, which is consistent with paragraph 91 of National Planning Policy Guideline 8 (Plans should be soundly based on upto date information…).
• In identifying sites for retail development, their scale and location (for example in co-ordination with proposed housing developments) should be clearly indicated.
A assessment of future retail demand and supply has been completed. The findings have been incorporated in Schedule 6 of the Structure Plan. Sufficient land to meet the growth in retail expenditure set out in Schedule 6 is required. New investment will in the first instance be directed to town centres.
Specific sites will be the subject of future Local Plan consultation and where appropriate included in the preparation of master-plans or town centre action plans.
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• The Ayrshire JSP should set out criteria
based policies that reflect paragraph 45 of NPPG8 (Ref. Also paragraph 88 of NPPG8).
• Retail terminology used in the Structure Plan should accurately reflect the definitions provided by NPPG8's glossary of terms where possible.
The Structure Plan seeks to reflect the guidance provided by NPPG 8 and any changes proposed by SPP8.
58) McInally Associates Ltd (on behalf of Clydeport Plc)
• Support for Vision Statement- increased
co-operation between planning authorities and the private sector sought to achieve greater prosperity and economic competitiveness as well as a higher quality of life for residents of Ayrshire.
• Support for stabilising population at current levels. Suggest this can be aided by ambitious plans for developable land which offer employment, a high standard of living conditions and quality homes.
• Support seven main aims. Of particular importance are the aims of encouraging economic development, the promotion of strong and vibrant communities and the repositioning of business locations to maximise economic growth.
• Welcome the inclusion of Hunterston as a Gateway location. Ambitious development of Hunterston can be catalyst
Support welcomed. Support welcomed.
Support welcomed. Noted
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for economic growth in the area and should be given utmost priority. Clydeport seek flexible approach to uses on the site. Uses which would be considered acceptable include container hub, pulp mill, oil rig decommissioning, renewable energy/wind turbines.
• Ardrossan has potential to be Gateway Location due to levels of brownfield land and the existing ferry link.
• Support for Core Investment Area however satellite areas around the core towns should be integrated into any future development so they can offer alternative service provision and high quality homes whilst being effectively linked with the core area by means of adequate transport infrastructure.
• Support for investment corridors to ensure outlying areas (areas outwith core investment area) do not stagnate and begin to decay. High level investment in public transport sought along these corridors to ensure that they do not evolve into high capacity car routes.
• Efficient transport links both by private car and public transport sought. Particularly between Ardrossan Harbour, Hunterston and core development area.
• Support for Ardrossan as a service centre.
Noted The investment in the regeneration of Ardrossan is a key priority Noted
The development framework seeks to provide a link with the core area through the investment corridors. Improvements to public transport are required to realise fully the economic opportunities in these corridors. Promoting new developments in locations that are accessible to a range of transport modes will ensure services are accessible and will strengthen communities and their centres. Noted
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• Rural areas can support a developing
economy through the provision of quality housing, transport links and small scale service provision. Particularly significant role in linking areas throughout Ayrshire, particularly along Investment Corridors.
• Housing should only be built in the countryside when all other alternatives have been exhausted. Priority should be given to housing proposals on brownfield land and then on greenfield sites surrounding existing settlements in accordance with national guidance and sustainable development principles.
• Improvements to rail and road links to Hunterston will benefit the region as a whole and hopefully stimulate growth in the freight and distribution industry.
• Ambitious levels of housing should be allocated to ensure there is no shortfalls in the future. These should be allocated to Core Towns, Investment Corridors and Gateway Locations to ensure a high level of accessibility.
• It is considered placing affordable housing constraints on private developers will only result in driving investment away from Ayrshire.
Noted Policy COMM5 established the framework for assessing housing development proposals within rural areas and in countryside. The Structure Plan requires that previously developed land is promoted in preference to Greenfield land
Noted Noted- The scale of allocations of housing land are set out in Tables 2 & 3. Policy COMM 4 requires the provision of affordable and special needs housing where it is justified by housing needs assessment and in accordance with local housing strategies.
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• Welcomes assessment of industrial land
and the proposals for obsolete and oversupply of industrial land in Ayrshire. Flexibility sought to development proposals (consideration of change of use to housing, commercial or different industrial use) on such land.
• Agree main focus of retail development should be in town centres. Smaller scale retail projects in smaller communities should be considered on their merits.
• With maturing timber resource and improvements to road & rail network Hunterston considered to be an ideal location for a pulp mill.
• Hunterston should be considered as a site for renewable energy provision or pulp mill which could be used in conjunction with a bio-mass power station.
• Wish Hunterston to be recognised as a potential site for wind farm development to meet national renewable targets.
• Support for concept of bio-mass production in Ayrshire.
• Support for tourism which promotes natural and cultural resources.
• ICZM- Hunterston & Ardrossan development potential should be maximised. Untouched and unspoilt areas of the Ayrshire coast should be protected
A review of all surplus industrial land requires to be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.
Noted Hunterston is recognised in the Structure Plan as a Gateway location. Proposals that complement the development of an international transhipment hub will be supported. Noted.
Support welcomed. The forthcoming European Directive on Integrated Coastal Zone will place an emphasis on the protection of the coastline whilst maximising the social and economic
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and enhanced through the planning system.
• Policies supporting protection of the greenbelt/countryside should be the primary vehicle for protecting the urban edge from inappropriate development. Policies should also be introduced to prevent coalescence, ribbon development and urban sprawl.
• New legislation (in relation to environmental appraisal, design, biodiversity water quality and flooding) provides opportunity to improve the environmental stock throughout Ayrshire whilst also improving quality of life. The proposed plan covers these issues adequately without placing rigid requirements on the planning system.
opportunities it can offer. It is proposed as the plan moves toward 2025 Policy ENV3 will increasingly provide a strategic and coherent landscape protection measure for the Core Investment Area. The development of a Green Network is proposed to provide a link between the proposed Greenbelt area, Investment Corridors and the Sensitive Landscape Character areas. Noted
59) Mining and Environmental Group (Ayrshire)
• The amount of windfarm development
permitted in Ayrshire should be determined on the basis of “fair share” of national targets rather than the capacity of the Ayrshire landscape to absorb this form of development.
The national targets for renewable energy have not been disaggregated on a regional basis. The capacity of the Ayrshire landscape to accommodate windfarm development is important.
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60) Mobile Operators Association
• The Structure Plan should set out a
positive approach for development of mobile phone technology to ensure that Ayrshire benefits from new technologies in the future. The following policy could be included:-
“An advanced telecommunications infrastructure can help drive both economic prosperity and provide a valuable social resource. Telecommunications development will be supported where environmental impacts are minimised”.
The siting and location of mobile phone technology is a matter for local plans.
61) Montagu Evans (on behalf of County Properties (Northern) Limited)
• Owners of the Western Road Shopping
Centre, Kilmarnock. • Need to recognise the role of district
centres within towns rather than just town centres
• Should extend Schedule 1A and 1B to include district centres.
The preferred location for major retail investment is the town centres. Additions to retail centres outwith town centres may be acceptable if they are small scale, provide qualitative improvements in shopping facilities and are of a scale which is appropriate to their local catchment. Proposals will require to show that there is no impact on the vitality and viability of town centres.
62) NAI Fuller Peiser (on behalf of BAE Systems Ltd)
• Company landholdings at Prestwick
International Airport and south of Monkton
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• Not opposed in principle to safeguarding
land for GPIA. • Concerned that no specific plans or time
frame for airport expansion and alternative development proposals will be sterilised.
• Need for more details and timescales of airport expansion proposals.
Noted South Ayrshire Council in conjunction with public and private sector agencies will prepare an Action Plan to guide the development of land around Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Refer to Policy ECON1
63) NHS Ayrshire & Arran
• Agree with the vision statement which
correlates well with the vision of NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
• Further analysis of demographic changes are required to extrapolate the effects of the ageing population.
• The principle aim of the strategy should be to address deprivation, particularly related to housing.
• Links should be strengthened between the core towns and the surrounding smaller urban towns, particularly those with significant deprivation, thereby avoiding migration which destabilises the communities.
• The M77 does not seem to be represented in the Glasgow Link. The Carrick Corridor should be extended southwards to represent the aspirations to improve the
Welcomed. Noted Noted Proposals to regenerate existing communities remains a priority.
Noted
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A77 south of Ayr with the associated links to Northern Ireland.
• Would be useful to have further clarity of the classifications used in the hierarchy of communities.
• It may be more pertinent to consider regeneration of some housing stock (local authority), particularly in deprived areas before considering building in the countryside. The key issue with building in the countryside is taking due consideration of infrastructure eg transport, access to medical services, etc.
• NHS Ayrshire and Arran have recently commissioned a Transport Study to identify issues and weaknesses surrounding transport to and accessibility of health services. It may be useful to consider the areas identified in the study as having considerable accessibility issues.
• Consideration should be given to proposals that encourage healthy lifestyles eg creating green areas in urban areas, cycle lanes, playparks for children.
• The preferred locations for housing expansion are very dependent upon further analysis of the future demography of Ayrshire and Arran. For example factors such as the need for sheltered
Noted Greenfield release will be managed and phased in ways that will maximise the development of brownfield land and existing infrastructure. In the selection of sites for future development preference will be given to areas that are, or have the potential to be, well integrated with walking, cycling or public transport networks. Extensions to the “Green Network” are proposed. Recreational and amenity open space will be safeguarded and enhanced. The Councils recognise the importance of appropriate measures to allocate specific housing need (see Policy COMM4) and to work with agencies and the private sector to deliver investment.
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housing, types of housing such as single occupancy and affordable housing are linked to the age profile for the area.
• The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation would provide a useful basis for determining need and provision of affordable housing.
Noted
64) North Ayrshire Council (Councillor Margaret Currie)
• Agree with the Vision Statement. • Improving quality of the environment and
infrastructure will stabilise population. • Agree with the seven principle aims of the
strategy. • The Gateway Locations can be
strengthend through improvement of road and rail infrastructure.
• Expansion of Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock should only be considered in tandem with regeneration and upgrading of existing towns.
• Agree with the locations of the six Investment Corridors but consider their successful development is dependent upon improved infrastructure.
• The viability of agriculture should be maintained in order that rural areas can contribute to the overall success of the strategy.
Noted
Policy COMM1 gives priority to proposals that regenerate existing communities.
Noted
Policies throughout the plan are aimed at protecting and enhancing the essential rural character of Ayrshire at a time of increasing change.
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• New housing in the rural area should be
planned sensitively around and within existing settlements or where a locational need exists.
• “Park and Ride” facilities at bus and train stations should be developed to improve the transport system.
• Affordable housing should be provided on the basis of length of residency in one area, employment and age with preference towards young people native to an area.
• Agree that town centres should be the focus for new retailing provided that rates are not forced up making retailing unviable.
• The market for locally grown timber could be enlarged through research and development into use of timber for furniture manufacture, house interiors, etc. Brashings should be used for bio-fuel/energy projects and wood powered energy generating plants encouraged around smaller settlements near to woods and plantings.
• Agree that identifying an area for large scale coppicing of wood for fuel linked to a possible biomass or co-fired power station is a valid concept.
• Agree that Integrated Coastal Zone Management should be taken forward.
Throughout the rural areas there will be a general presumption in favour of housing development within existing communities. Opportunities for “Park & Ride” are identified in Schedule 8. Noted
Noted Noted- Refer to policy ECON 8-Biomass Noted Refer to Policy ENV 9
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• Consider that brownfield land should be
developed in preference to greenfield and that high and medium quality agricultural land should be protected from development.
• Positive outcomes should be derived from new legislation on environmental appraisal, design awareness, biodiversity, water quality and flooding.
• Mineral resources should be exploited, however, reinstatement of exhausted facilities should be mandatory.
• The strategy should be reasonably flexible to accommodate changes in climate and population.
• A more flexible approach to development should be considered on Arran in order to foster population growth. The ferry service should be enhanced and the capacity of the secondary school increased. New housing development around settlements should be provided for in “clachan” style developments. The provision of affordable housing is a priority.
SCHEDULE 1 establishes principles for future development. This includes a preference to promote brownfield in preference to Greenfield land. Noted Noted The plan will be monitored regularly.
Noted
65) NPL Estates
• Propose the redevelopment of 683
hectares of brownfield land at Ardeer, Stevenston for 2500 houses, business and
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industrial land and tourism and recreation uses. The following main points are made in support of the proposals:- • Creation of an attractive destination to
live, work and socialise in. • Enable full remediation of
contaminated land. • Make a substantial contribution to the
total requirement for new dwellings, ensuring provision of a choice of housing types.
• Social, economic and environmental benefits to the surrounding towns.
• No adverse impact on landscape and enhance identity of Stevenston.
• Unlock local development opportunities in surrounding settlements.
• Satisfy national and local transport policy objectives including encouraging the use of public transport, walking and cycling.
• Efficient use of existing infrastructure. • Promote investment to increase
vitality and viability of the surrounding towns.
• To support the redevelopment of Ardeer, the Structure Plan needs to clearly identify Ardeer as a strategic regeneration project
The Irvine Bay area , of which Ardeer is a part is recognised as a nationally significant strategic regeneration priority.
Policy COMM3 states that any significant new housing release is to be achieved through the preparation of an appropriate masterplan for the area that incorporates the principles in Schedule 1.
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and promote its development through a masterplan route.
• Recognise the need for development to be led by higher value end uses, with a minimum of 2500 residential units in order to bring about the necessary economic and environmental benefits. These indicative housing numbers need to be incorporated into the overall housing land supply calculations.
• Remove the designation as a strategic industrial site for the entire Ardeer area.
• Reference to the promotion of land for business and industrial use within the mix of uses proposed should refer to such land being brought forward only in accordance with market demand.
The Structure Plan establishes an indicative target of 9000 homes for the Irvine Bay area. Schedule 1 indicates that previously developed land should be brought forward in preference to Greenfield land.
The Structure plan proposes to delete the strategic industrial site designation afforded to Ardeer. The Structure Plan requires a review of all industrial land to be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.
66) Osbourne, Sandra (MP)
• Supports the Vision Statement. • There should be an attempt to stabilise the
population and this will need the creation of good job opportunities and a good quality of life for all.
• Support the principle aims of the Draft Plan.
• A77 should be classified as a Gateway opportunity.
• Can see the advantage of Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock being the main focus for
Support welcomed Noted The development framework recognises that in order to maximise potential all parts of Ayrshire
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development but it is important that complementary opportunities do not result in areas missing out to the advantage of others.
• Welcome the recognition of Prestwick Airport as the centre of the Core Investment Area.
• Support the identified investment corridors.
• Development in the countryside is probably needed to encourage people to live and work there, however it needs to be properly planned and monitored and not be a free for all. Some relaxation of the current rules may be appropriate, the need for infrastructure such as access to education and transport need to be considered.
• Scope for more housing in the countryside but only on a low impact basis.
• Transport in the area would be improved by a rail link to Edinburgh and direct no-stop trains to Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
• A park and ride facility for Ayr may encourage people to shop in the town centre.
have a vital contribution to make to the area’s future prosperity and quality of life. The Structure Plan encourages new rural housing development that is of a high quality within appropriate areas. Noted The current rail network is operating at capacity. In the medium term, rail services that link Ayrshire more effectively to services and opportunities across the Central Belt and to Edinburgh are desirable. Immediate priorities are to develop the rail network for enhanced rail passenger services on the Glasgow/ Kilmarnock line where service frequency is limited by capacity constraints.
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• Priority should be given for employment
opportunities and housing initiatives, including social rented housing and low cost home ownership as part of regeneration.
• Any major development in South East Ayrshire should be conditional on major infrastructure investment.
• Housing development should take into account the relation of common identity in small towns and villages.
• There should be a balance between protection of the town centres and meeting the consumer choice with the development of out of town shopping centre.
• Wind farms should be considered on a case by case basis.
• Before any decision is taken on biomass the technology needs to be fully explained to the public with proper consultation.
• The asset of Burns has never been properly addressed on either an Ayrshire or Scottish basis. It is imperative that priority is given to this by involving all of the agencies concerned and by the investment of public resources.
Noted All significant land release will be achieved through the preparation of masterplans which incorporate the principles of SCHEDULE 1.
Policy STRAT 1 and SCHEDULE 1 seek to ensure that this can be achieved. A sequential approach to retailing and town centre uses is adopted; new investment will be directed first to town centres and then edge-of-centre. Noted Noted The Three councils shall seek in conjunction with other agencies to safeguard and promote the locations, landscape and buildings associated with Robert Burns and seek designation of these locations as a possible World heritage site.
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67) PPCA Ltd (on behalf of Mactaggart & Mickel)
• Significant house builder with long term
track record in Ayrshire housing market. • Supports the vision statement and would
contribute to realising it through new housing development.
• Agree the significant adverse implications of GRO’s projections and support a stable population with national household growth rate as a fall back position.
• Support focus on Core Investment Area and Investment Corridors.
• Agree that Ayrshire can offer distinct opportunities to enhance housing choice and that as active developers in Ayrshire they can help bring this about.
• Vital role of up to date development plans. Fear that local plan delays could undermine Growing Ayrshire strategy.
• Scale of future housing provision and distribution (schedule 3) across Ayrshire is sustainable.
• Affordable housing targets for settlements delivered alongside and as part of private housing allocations.
• Support the development of tourist related assets, particularly golf.
Welcomed Noted No delay in the preparation of local plans is envisaged. The three Councils will work with public and private sector agencies to identify sufficient land to meet future housing requirements, initially in the period 2005-2017. Local housing strategies identify the needs within a local area for affordable housing taking into account local circumstance and appropriate mechanisms for delivery.
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• Support solely European and national
environmental and landscape designations.
• Oppose the protection of the urban edge from inappropriate development by landscape designation.
Noted Noted
68) RDK Construction Ltd
• A long-term perspective with a view
toward fostering appropriate development across Ayrshire, including rural areas, is required.
• The existing population trends in Ayrshire must be halted and reversed.
• Economic development must be encouraged with Tourism having an important role to play.
• The needs of the housing market should be taken into account when planning for housing development.
• The Structure Plan sets out a broad context which suggests this can be achieved.
Noted
Noted
Specific opportunities to develop the tourism economy are identified.
Noted
69) Renfrewshire Council (Planning and Transport)
• Welcomes and supports the review in
providing an up to date strategic planning framework for Ayrshire.
Support welcomed
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• The strategy’s population and
housebuilding targets may be unrealistic and unachievable and as such may divert new development to greenfield and away from renewal and regeneration.
• Concerns over the potential impact which large releases of housing land may have on patterns of migration and travel, particularly journeys to work.
• Final Plan needs to assess and justify levels of in-migration; housing land release; economic activity and implications and interrelationship with development plan policies in adjoining authorities.
• Concern over the extent to which the emphasis on road development fits with sustainability.
• Plan does not appear to give particularly high priority to sustainable transport modes in preference to the private car.
• Implications of increased population levels for transport in the west of Scotland require to be fully examined.
• Road proposals should be prioritised and indications given of financial implications and programming.
• Transport proposals should reflect policies and programmes of the Westrans JTS.
Progress towards the targets proposed will be monitored regularly. The strategy requires that previously developed land will be promoted in preference to Greenfield land. Any Greenfield land release will be managed so as not to prejudice development on brownfield land. Ayrshire together with the wider Glasgow City Region, will be competitively disadvantaged if it fails to attract and retain those individuals, households and businesses key to future growth in these sectors. All improvements proposed are consistent with the Joint Transport Strategy for Western Scotland produced by the West of Scotland transport Partnership. (WESTRANS).
The Structure Plan unit has undertaken analysis using the SITLUM model. The priorities for road improvement are outlined in Policy TRANS 5. Refer to comment above.
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• Need for a detailed assessment of the
impact of water and sewerage constraints on future development.
• Concern that investment may be diverted from locations where demand for development is ‘proven’ to areas where development is ‘aspirational’.
• Support a complementary approach for the review of Ayrshire and Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plans.
• Principal aim 5 should insert ‘sustainable’ between ‘improved’ and ‘accessibility’.
• Strategy should accord with national and strategic policies and forecasts. It must have regard to the patterns of population change in the wider area and not be in conflict with or at the expense of other areas which also require to deal with changing population levels.
• Population levels should be based on the ability of the Ayrshire economy to support it. Economic growth will attract residents. Economic growth will not be achieved by attracting resident commuters.
• Support for Glasgow –Paisley rail improvements is welcomed.
A strategic assessment has been undertaken in conjunction with Scottish Water. Noted
Noted SCHEDULE 1 establishes guiding principles for sustainable development. The strategy has sought to incorporate the priorities for Ayrshire established in the National Planning Framework. Ayrshire together with the wider Glasgow City Region will be competitively disadvantaged if it fails to attract and retain those individuals and business which are key to future growth. This is a shared priority for immediate investment.
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• Support for A737 Kilwinning to
Howwood but need to restrain growth of car borne commuter traffic, particularly in relation to improved M8 to Glasgow International Airport.
Policy TRANS 5 recognised the upgrading of theA737 as a priority.
70) Roberts, Greta M
• The vision statement “Ayrshire will be a
place..” should be replaced by ‘We shall aim to make Ayrshire a place..’; “healthy environment” should read ‘healthy, attractive environment’ and “expected” should be substituted for ‘attainable’.
• There should be an aim to stabilise or increase the population in order to support the basic infrastructure but not necessarily in every existing settlement.
• Suggest an additional aim: “To support inward migration: to reduce outward migration”.
• Concerned by the financial and environmental cost of encouraging development in the open countryside. Appropriate type as well as scale should be considered.
• Gateway locations should take account of people coming to Ayrshire by road. Suggest: Ballantrae/Girvan; New Cumnock; Glenbuck/Muirkirk; Fenwick
Noted
The primary objective is to stabilise the population in 2025 at current levels. Noted COMM5 establishes the framework for future housing in the countryside. This seeks to promote planning policies that positively promote new rural housing development of high quality within appropriate areas. Noted
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Moor/South Orbital; Irvine Valley; Largs/Clyde Coast.
• Agree that Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock should be the main focus of future development.
• Remove the word ‘significant’ to describe Local Communities with development opportunities.
• Rural Ayrshire should be protected and unbuilt upon so that Ayrshire continues to be an attractive place for people to stay or visit.
• Settlements should be sustained and journeys to work reduced by consolidating settlements, not building in the countryside.
• Draft Plan should include a bypass for Hurlford and a bypass of the A70 for Ochiltree.
• Rail extension to Ayr Hospital should be a low priority.
• Double track or loop between Kilmarnock and Barrhead should be a top priority.
• There should be more detail given as to the strategic location of rail heads.
• Quayside Tourist Information Offices and facilities at ports should be identified.
• Concerned about the exclusive safeguarding of land around airports.
Noted Noted The landscape is a considerable economic asset and the plan introduces a range of positive, protective and enhancement policies. In the selection of locations for future development preference will be given to areas that are or have the potential to be well integrated with walking, cycling and public transport networks.
Noted Noted Proposals to develop the rail network for enhanced rail passenger services on the Glasgow/ Kilmarnock line are at an advanced stage..
Noted Noted
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• Consideration should be given to the
contribution which windfall sites can make to land for development.
• Proposed housing allocations to 2025 are too high.
• Object to specified housing if concentrated in North, South and West Kilmarnock.
• Some near-central brownfield sites should be considered for Kilmarnock.
• It should not be assumed that a large scale single user site can be located north of Rowallan.
• Object to Killoch being identified as a key strategic site to benefit the economy, without any discussion.
• Query identification of strategic recreational opportunity in north east East Ayrshire.
• Wind farms are unlikely to regenerate communities.
• Welcome the acknowledgement that the landscape has a limited capacity to absorb further wind farms.
• Concern over the identification of a site for wind farms in north east Ayrshire if it is in addition to the currently proposed Whitelee Windfarm.
This is monitored Noted The North West, West and South Kilmarnock are identified as preferred strategic areas for expansion.
Noted The site at Kilmarnock Mosside is recognised in SPP2 . Noted
Noted Noted Noted Two preferred areas of search are identified. These include the Whiteee Windfarm area and land to the West of the M77.
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• Object to biomass power plant search
area, which appears to be Killoch, without some argument/justification.
• Caution should be used in identifying biomass as an energy source until the technology for large scale usage is proven.
• Diagram on Page 30 omits tourist gateways such as Fenwick Moor, Dalmellington, Loudonhill and the Upper Irvine Valley.
• The plans for the World Heritage Sites are over ambitious. Natura 2000 sites may represent a much greater asset and tourist potential.
• Disagree with the policy not to introduce landscape designations other than those required by European and national designation.
• Developers should be encouraged to form a firm, definable boundary around settlements to protect the urban edge.
• Improvement of the approaches to the urban edge should be given a high priority.
• Storm/flood periods should now be revised to a 1 in 100 year event.
• There should be a complete reappraisal of open cast mine sites, including assessing whether they are likely to be extended and whether restoration work is effective.
The Structure Plan does not identify Killoch. A search area for a co-fired power plant is identified on the Key diagram.
Noted Noted Noted+ Protection is given to a range of natural heritage designations in addition to Natura 2000 designated areas. Policy ENV3 and ENV4 establish a framework for safeguarding the Core Investment area landscape and the development of a green network. 1:200 maps are being prepared by SEPA>
East Ayrshire published an open cast subject plan. This will guide development over the next 10 years.
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• Welcome the reference to protecting
mineral resources not just exploiting them.
• The consultation process should have involved more local people.
Noted The Joint Committee has sought to consult widely on the content of the Structure Plan.
71) Robertson, Iain
• Consultation should focus on the views of
the people who make a difference – does not say who.
Noted
72) Robinson Associates (on behalf of AXA (REIM))
• Support principle of Gateway Locations
but would wish Whittlets Roundabout on A77 to be included.
• Although supporting principle of Core Investment Area suggest plan needs additional, appropriate policies to support the principle including more explicit recognition of Heathfield as a retail focus.
• Important to establish correct relationship between towns in Core Investment Area – particularly in relation to non-food retail.
• Not clear whether improvement to Whitletts Roundabout is included in reference to A77 in text and Question 11.
• Support principle of town centres remaining key focus for retail, but believe slavish adherence to sequential approach will lead to missed opportunities.
Noted Noted Noted: New floorspace in out of centre locations will be restricted to DIY, Furniture, Carpets, electrical & gardening goods.
Improvements to Whitletts Roundabout would be one of a number of improvements sought to the A77 between Kilmarnock & Stranraer. Support for town centres welcomed.
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73) RPS
• A policy on developer contributions
should be included that places a levy on every new house built in a given area over a given time period to pay for improvements to transport infrastructure.
The Councils in Ayrshire have not introduced this form of levy.
74) RPS (on behalf of BT Plc)
• BT would welcome the introduction of a
telecommunications policy in order to guide future local plans and facilitate economic growth; wording of policy suggested.
• BT suggest that the AJSP 2025 should include a policy which protects established utility sites. Suggested policy for inclusion within local plans.
• Supports the inclusion of Strategic Policy 1 - Part 2 Brownfield development. A more prominent reliance on brownfield and infill sites obtained on a windfall basis should be reflected by policy in the Structure Plan.
This is a local plan issue. Previously developed land will be promoted in preference to Greenfield land.
75) RPS (on behalf of Elhpinstone Land Ltd)
• Support the vision statement and principle
aims of the strategy. • Support the ongoing expansion of
Kilmarnock and believes that Kilmarnock North represents the most logical area for strategic expansion.
Support welcomed. Noted.
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• In addition to the Gateway Locations
proposed, consideration should be given to the main arrival by road on the A77, both north and south.
• Support the promotion of Kilmarnock as a Core Investment Area and its inclusion as one of the Investment Corridors.
• Support the upgrading of the A77 but feels that public transport initiatives should be carried out in advance of this to discourage the use of the car.
• Should identify separately the requirement for housing for the private sector and affordable homes for each of the housing market areas over the Structure Plan period.
• A commercial centre should be included as part of the Kilmarnock Gateway proposal.
• Supports the recognition of town centres as the main focus for retail development but feels the policy should be flexible enough to allow for the major strategic growth envisaged in the Draft Plan and the retail facilities that this may require.
• Advocate the adoption of only green belt and countryside designations in the plan. Further landscape designations are not required.
To reflect their international connectivity the Gateways locations are Hunterston, Glasgow Prestwick Airport , the ports of Troon , Ayr & Ardrossan. Support welcomed.
Noted Noted The preferred location for commercial retail development is the town centre of Kimarnock. Kilmarnock mosside and Rowallan are confirmed as strategic business locations. Support welcomed.
The potential for further landscape protection of the Core area, including the possibility of a joint Greenbelt will be considered during the plan period.
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• The Draft Plan should consider
developing an Action Plan that links together the various strands of the strategic vision for Ayrshire and other strategies being prepared for the area.
• Need for more informed spatial development guidance.
An action plan accompanies the plan.
Noted
76) RPS (on behalf of South East Ayr Consortium (Taylor Woodrow Development/CALA Homes/Lynch Developments)
• Support the vision statement and principle
aims of the strategy. • Support the expansion of Ayr by 8000
units to the south and east. • Support the promotion of a new business
park at South East Ayr and rail services at this locality through a new rail halt at Corton/Ayr Hospital.
• Support the measures to stabilise the population of Ayrshire through the release of land.
• South East Ayr can act as a major gateway from the south by road and should be included as a Gateway Location.
• Support the promotion of Ayr as a Core Investment Area and its inclusion as one of the Investment Corridors.
• Support partnership between the private and public sectors.
Support welcomed South East Ayr is a preferred location for strategic housing expansion.
Ayr-Corton is identified as potential business site. Support welcomed
To reflect their international connectivity the Gateways locations are Hunterston, Glasgow Prestwick Airport , the ports of Troon , Ayr & Ardrossan
Support welcomed Noted
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• Support the upgrading of the A77 but feel
that public transport initiatives should be carried out in advance of this to discourage the use of the car.
• Should define South East Ayr’s role in hosting a range of supporting infrastructure and services necessary to serve the further 8,000 houses planned for south and east Ayr.
• Should identify separately the requirement for housing for the private sector and affordable homes for each of the housing market areas over the Structure Plan period.
• Support identification of a new business park at South East Ayr.
• Support the recognition of town centres as the main focus for retail development but feel the policy should be flexible enough to allow for the major strategic growth envisaged in the Draft Plan and the retail facilities that this may require.
• Advocate the adoption of only green belt and countryside designations in the plan. Further landscape designations are not required.
• The Draft Plan should consider developing an Action Plan that links together the various strands of the
Support welcomed. Ranges of transport proposals are identified. Noted Local housing strategies identify needs within local areas for affordable housing. They take into account local circumstance and appropriate mechanisms for delivery. Noted
Towns are the preferred location for future retail/commercial development. The potential for further landscape protection of the Core area, including the possibility of a joint Greenbelt will be considered during the plan period. Policy ENV2-ENV4 establish the framework for landscape protection in Ayrshire. An action plan accompanies the plan
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strategic vision for Ayrshire and other strategies being prepared for the area.
• Need for more informed spatial development guidance.
Noted
77) RSPB Scotland
• The vision statement should be amended
with the following ‘a healthy environment, rich in wildlife…’
• Caution must be used when advocating maintenance of the population as a key objective. The drive for development that may be needed to facilitate this population growth must not be allowed to occur at the expense of other features of sustainability.
• Welcome the inclusion of the principle “to safeguard and enhance the quality of the environment”.
• The Draft Plan should clearly state that a development that contravenes one of the seven principle aims will not be looked upon favourably.
• The Draft Plan should be used to highlight sensitive areas, which are therefore less suitable for development.
• Concerned if Gateway Locations are presented as prime targets for development without the recognition of the associated environmental impacts.
Noted
Noted Support welcomed STRAT1 and Schedule 1 establish principles of sustainable development. Future development will require to be consistent with these principles.
Significant developments will require to be accompanied by an assessment of the economic. Social and environmental implications of the proposal.
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• Recognise that transport links form a basis
for investment and pleased to see rail routes playing a key part in the identification of investment corridors.
• It would be worthwhile to include the National Cycle Network routes with the Draft Plan.
• Identifying investment corridors will lead to an increase in development applications and it is vital to ensure that planning departments have the staff and resources in place to respond to this increase in applications and that safeguards are in place to prevent development with negative environmental impact being progressed.
• Welcome the recognition that a “healthy and living environment” should be part of the package but would like to see this focussed on enhancing the natural habitats of Ayrshire.
• Development of a strong public transport system to enable those living in working areas to work in towns in therefore crucial.
• Support the principle that existing settlements should be the focus for development.
• Attractive landscapes and native wildlife are both important features of Scotland’s
Noted Noted
The Scottish Executive is currently examining the resources available to planning authorities. Support welcomed.
Noted Noted Noted
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tourism industry but investment will be required to ensure that rural areas can provide the necessary tourism facilities.
• Support the principle that existing settlements and brownfield sites should be the focus for development.
• Transport other than the private car should be available to sites where housing is being built.
• The planning system should be proactive in promoting the use of technology in buildings and sensitive landscapes to contribute to the wildlife value of sites.
• The Draft plan should give a clear indication that alternative methods of transport to the private car should be provided where they are currently absent.
• Concerned over the environmental impacts of the development of Hunterston deep water terminal.
• The Draft Plan should recognise the negative environmental impacts of the development of Prestwick Airport.
• Would not support the relaxation of any planning policy that could lead to environmentally damaging developments.
• Add the following conditions to Schedule 2: • Avoids designated sites or those
containing protected species.
Noted In the selection of locations for future development preference will be given to areas that are, or have the potential to be, well integrated with walking, cycling and public transport networks. Noted
Refer above. An assessment of the environmental impacts will require to be undertaken. Noted Noted
Refer to SCHEDULE 1 and Policy ENV 7.
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• Is not detrimental to the objectives of
the Ayrshire LBAP or UKBAP. • Support the aim to focus retail activity in
town centres. • The negative environmental effects of the
widespread planting of commercial woodland are not adequately addressed.
• Support renewable energy but believe that the environmental impacts of every individual development must be carefully considered.
• As well as renewables the Draft Plan should also encourage energy efficiency.
• Recommend that a Strategic Policy be developed to guide renewable energy developments in Ayrshire. This should accord with NPPG 6.
• The ‘preferred area’ identified in the Draft Plan for commercial wind farm development in South Ayrshire is in close proximity to Glen App and Galloway Moors Special Protection Area. The boundary should be changed so that the potential area does not border the SPA.
• It must be made clear that not all of the ‘preferred areas’ will be suitable for wind farm development.
• There should be a general presumption against placing turbines in locations where they will affect wildlife interests.
Support welcomed Proposals for woodland and forestry will be supported where they are consistent with the objectives and key actions of the Ayrshire & arran Woodland Strategy and consistent with policies in both structure and local plans. The cumulative impacts will be considered. Refer to SCHEDULE1. The Structure Plan policy is in accord with NPPG6
The proposed preferred area of search does not border the Glen App and Galloway Moors SPA designated area. Noted Noted
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• The development of biomass electricity
generation through dedicated biomass plants or co-firing needs to be carefully considered in the context of the AJSP forestry policy, the Indicative forestry Strategy and the Ayrshire and Arran Woodland Policy.
• The UK Biodiversity Action Plan process should be mentioned.
• The Water Framework Directive and its implications should be mentioned.
• RSPB reserves can play a part in encouraging wildlife based tourism.
• The Firth of Clyde Forum is best placed to provide local advice on Integrated Coastal Zone Management within Ayrshire.
• Habitat networks should be developed with reference to the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
• The Draft Plan should take into account the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act and have a specific policy reflecting the requirements of this.
• Support the long-term view taken with regard to sea level rise.
• Should promote a catchment approach to water management when dealing with issues of both flood management and water quality.
Noted Refer paragraph 104 Refer to Policy ENV 9 Noted
The development of proposals for a coastal zone management plan will require advice from a range of local agencies. Noted Refer to paragraph 101. Support welcomed Noted
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• Rigorous environmental assessment
should be made of any plans for mineral extraction.
Policy ENV13 establishes criteria against which the winning and working of aggregates can be considered.
78) Scottish Agricultural College
• SAC will dispose of land at Auchincruive,
which is surplus to requirements as part of the implementation of its development plan, retaining only those areas that are core to future business. SAC have published its business transformation plan and received support from SEERAD for new education facilities in Ayr.
• SAC commends the Councils decision to produce a replacement joint structure plan rather than simply to carry out a review of existing policies.
• SAC supports the Vision Statement and believes it sets the correct agenda in the life of the plan. SAC firmly believe that the redevelopment of their Ayr campus at Auchincruive presents an opportunity for the planning system to demonstrate innovative partnership working to bring future economic activity and both business and housing opportunities.
• SAC supports the plan's aim to set aspirational population targets to arrest decline and then grow the population and commit to achieving this objective.
Noted Support welcomed
Noted Support welcomed
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• SAC supports the seven principal aims of
the spatial development Strategy and the intention to develop and strengthen the strategic role of a core investment area. While SAC supports the concept of investment corridors care should be taken not to diminish the strategic role of the Core Investment Area.
• SAC is committed to the role of Ayr as a core town and believes that a unique opportunity exists at Auchincruive to develop its potential by providing both business and residential development opportunities within a high amenity landscape setting. Such mixed-use redevelopment of previously used land is highly sustainable and in keeping with Government objectives.
• The asset realisation strategy for Auchincruive is key to providing essential elements of funding to allow SAC to continue to support rural communities.
• SAC believes that land at Auchincruive can be developed to provide high amenity, sustainable housing linked to a mixed-use development, with the potential to provide high amenity business space. Such an approach will positively assist in the retention of population but more importantly will be a catalyst for the
Support welcomed
Noted Noted
Noted
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attraction of new residents to new work opportunities in a high amenity setting.
• SAC supports the criteria for new housing release set out in Schedule 2 and the aspirational targets for new housing provision. The allocation however of only 500 houses in Schedule 3 to the Core Investment Area appears to contradict the wider aims of the strategy.
• SAC supports the concept of a biomass or co-fired power station and recognises the potential for such an approach to support rural communities.
• SAC wish to be involved in the further development of the Structure Plan and would welcome any opportunities for further dialogue.
Table 3 presents indicative targets for future housing requirements. Support welcomed
Noted.
79) Scottish & Southern Energy
• Biomass and in particular timber based
schemes are unlikely to ever become more than niche activities.
• Strategic policy should be consistent with national policy guidelines and these require planners to make positive provision for renewable energy consistent with environmental considerations.
• One type of renewable energy should not be promoted over another.
Noted
The Structure Plan has sought to reflect national guidance. A range of measures that encourage energy efficiency and stimulate a range of different
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• Community involvement, through
sourcing local labour, goods etc, should not be a policy issue for renewable energy.
• Planning authorities do not have the necessary expertise to decide upon ‘preferred areas’ for wind farms. It should be left to developers to identify sites and means with which issues may be addressed.
• Areas which may be identified are those where environmental designations with have be a material consideration on whether wind farms are appropriate.
• Benefits can be gained by encouraging renewable energy schemes to consider tourism or educational benefits.
renewable technologies and solutions will be encouraged. NPPG6 identifies a specific role for Structure plan authorities in defining broad areas of search to accommodate the spatial requirements of renewable energy.
The areas identified have taken into account the locational considerations identified by NPPG6. Noted
80) Scottish Coal Company Ltd
• Various land, property, opencast coaling
and renewable energy interests in Ayrshire.
• Support focus on growth potential of Ayrshire aimed at making it an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.
• While an urban focus is understandable the potential of rural areas to make a very significant contribution should be more fully recognised.
Support welcomed
Noted
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• Suggest an amended vision “Ayrshire
will continue to develop as………… sustainable economy open to innovation and investment,………………… opportunity for local and regionally based employment and prosperity…..”.
• Strategic aims should offer specific support for areas traditionally dependent on the primary jobs sector eg coalfields, and suggest an amended Strategic Aim 6 “To promote and secure a diverse range of economic activities in Ayrshire’s rural area, having regard to resource opportunities and environmental qualities”.
• Supports spatial development strategy and it’s constituent elements of gateways, core investment area and investment corridors and would suggest the addition of an Eastern Gateway and better linkage between ‘core’ towns and rest of Ayrshire.
• Concern that settlement hierarchy approach may disadvantage rural areas and fail to realise their potential contribution as a local, regional and national economic driver. Need a much clearer signal that ‘change’ is required – particularly via diversification into bio-
Noted
Support welcomed The need to diversify the rural economy is recognised. Refer to Policy ECON 14.
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fuel, timber, energy production, tourism and low impact housing.
• Support accessibility strategy generally but need for local improvements to outlying areas & service opportunities there.
• Generally support strategy for investing in communities, complemented by: • significant housing land release
(3,500/4,000 units) in the coalfield community area.
• public investment in re-use of large coal related sites.
• coordination of timber/energy crops/bio-diversity and landscape renewal.
• promotion of electronic connectivity. • Fully supports biomass policy. • As coal is separate from general and
specialised aggregates, it (ie opencast) should be treated as a separate policy matter.
Noted
Support for strategy welcomed.
Support welcomed
Noted
81) Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire
• SE Ayrshire welcomes the strong links
between physical planning and economic growth and the emphasis on pro active implementation and is felt to be consistent
Noted
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with Ayrshire Economic Forum Strategy for Ayrshire.
• SE Ayrshire recommend that the priorities for physical development are set out under a number of themes (eg transport).
• SE Ayrshire endorse the principle that the Plan needs to maintain an element of flexibility which will enable planning policy to respond to and align with changing priorities over time.
• It is suggested that the Vision Statement is expanded to reflect the need to maintain strong connections with the wider Central Belt economy to capitalise on growth opportunities happening outside Ayrshire.
• SE Ayrshire recognise the urgent need to stabilise the population in Ayrshire, however, it is recommended that consideration be given to the demographic mix required to promote a sustainable population in the long term rather than focus purely on absolute population size, which in our view is too narrow a measure. The Structure Plan should clearly articulate planning policies designed to promote a sustainable demographic profile. In this context there may be areas in Ayrshire which population decline is acceptable and/or desirable.
The format of the final plan incorporates sections on the economy, communities, environment and transport. Noted
The Vision recognises the need to strengthen links and promote better integration with the wider West of Scotland.
Noted
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• The seven principal aims reflect a
sustainable vision for Ayrshire. The recognition of the Core Area as the primary driver for the wider Ayrshire economy is welcomed. However it is clear that there is an inherent tension between the notion of concentrating resources on the core investment area and balancing the spread of development across Ayrshire.
• It is suggested that the M77 be considered as a gateway location given the significance of this arterial route for connections to the central belt. Ardrossan Harbour should be considered as a gateway given the volume of traffic using the Arran ferry.
• Each Gateway Location will have its own inherent economic development potential. In this context market/site specific evidence should be used to determine which Gateway Locations have the greatest potential and should therefore be given a measure of priority within the planning process. This is important when linking the gateway concept to other policies within the plan, for example timber industry strategic sites, where there is potential for conflicting demands being placed on finite local infrastructure.
The development framework recognises that in order to maximise potential all parts of Ayrshire have a vital contribution to make to the area’s future prosperity and quality of life. Noted Ardrossan is recognised as a gateway location.
Noted
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• It is reasonable to concentrate
development and growth within the Core Investment Area given this is the area of greatest economic capacity/potential. Consideration needs to be given in the Structure Plan as to how Ayrshire can deliver an integrated development strategy for the core towns and it is suggested that this should be a role for consideration by the Ayrshire Economic Forum.
• A degree of prioritisation between investment corridors will be desirable.
• The role of community planning process should be clarified in the context of the Investment Corridors.
• The reference to an Urban Regeneration Company is considered beyond the scope of a structure plan, however the principle of supporting an appropriate mechanism that allows resources to be focussed on shared economic development priorities is welcomed.
The support of the Economic Forum would be welcomed.
The role of the “Investment Corridors” is to show the linkage with the Core Investment Area. Their role is not to show where priorities in funding should lie. The preparation of the Structure plan seeks to link with the community planning process within all three Councils. It has also provided an opportunity to integrate the planning process with European, national and regional frameworks and directives.
Noted
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• The success of the strategy to develop the
three Core Towns will depend upon the integration of the functions of the towns so they compliment each other rather than unnecessarily compete in limited markets or for finite public resources. This will require a fundamental re-assessment of each town’s relative roles/potential from an Ayrshire wide prospective. More radical planning policies will be required to unlock the full potential and these should be backed by clear regeneration priorities which are agreed and shared by the members of the Ayrshire Economic Forum.
• The Plan should be more explicit on the basis for categorising individual communities in the hierarchy of communities (Schedule 1) or alternatively schedule 1 should be deleted and replaced with an undertaking to appraise communities on an individual basis with the emphasis given to realising latent potential for growth based on robust market appraisal.
• Existing planning policy is too restrictive in respect of development in the countryside. The potential of the countryside to leverage sustainable economic growth should be appraised
Noted Irvine Bay and the small coalfield communities of southern Ayrshire are nationally significant regeneration priorities. There is a strong case for public sector investment to support private investment in these areas. SCHEDULE 3 (previous schedule 1) has been retained. Policy COMM5 sets a framework for future development within the Countryside.
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across different market sectors including housing, tourism and industry. Planning policies should then be realigned to encourage development in line with this potential. Plans should however retain strong design standards for rural development both in terms of design of individual developments and settlement pattern.
• The delivery of a 15 minute Glasgow/Ayr rail service should be included in the Plan.
• There is a clear need to prioritise between transport requirements with greatest weight being given to those proposals that have the highest impact on Ayrshire’s competitiveness and also have a realistic chance of being implemented.
• The link between Hunterston and Prestwick is not fully understood as there is unlikely to be freight moving between these two hubs.
• The policy for long term growth at Prestwick should recognise the low cost nature of the airport and the importance of promoting non-airport activity as a means of leveraging future capital investment at the airport.
• The viability of a direct rail link to the East of Scotland should be further investigated.
Policy TRANS 2 recognises that improvements in the capacity of the rail network are essential.
Noted The text has been clarified to reflect the significance of improvements to the motorway system for both locations. Noted Rail services that link Ayrshire more effectively to services and opportunities across the Central Belt and to Edinburgh are desirable.
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• It is not accepted that there are only two
major regeneration sites in Ayrshire. Irvine’s industrial stock, Stamp Works/Somerset Park and various communities in the East Ayrshire Coalfield should be considered.
• Regeneration of Ardeer and Glengarnock should be measured against the added value they will create for the local economy. Any strategy developed for these two sites should take into account the opportunity cost of the specific regeneration proposal on the wider area in which they are situated. Generally there should be a presumption in favour of proposals that create additional activity at the Ayrshire level and presumption against regeneration for its own sake.
• The removal of Cockhill from the list of strategic industrial sites is endorsed.
• It is recognised that presently Lochshore is not a strategic employment site, however future regeneration should include a quality business element.
• Auchincruive/Hannah Research Park should be considered on the revised list to reflect their potential to attract high value added activity.
• It is recommended that the reference to Prestwick Aerospace Park be widened to
It is recognised that during the period of the plan Further regeneration opportunities will emerge through the redevelopment of obsolete housing and industrial property or through a reassessment of marketable industrial land.
Noted Noted Noted
Noted
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include the wider Prestwick Development Zone.
• The town centres should continue to be the focus for future retail development. The policy should be flexible enough to enable development that requires edge/out of town locations but are additional at the Ayrshire level eg factory outlets.
• Welcome the focus on timber industry and encourage flexibility to accommodate end users’ requirements. There are opportunities for timber industry plant co-location at Barony for example.
• It is important that the wider impact of timber transport on the rail/road network is established for all strategic sites, including appraisal of the opportunity cost of utilising spare network capacity.
• SE Ayrshire is encouraged by the adoption of a robust planning framework for renewable energy.
• Agree with the concept of a area of search for large scale coppicing of wood for fuel but question whether this would be an attractive proposition to the energy sector. The search area for key sites should be refined once further research is completed that defines the scale of potential activity and the locational criteria.
It is proposed that an Action Plan for Glasgow Prestwick Airport and the surrounding area will be prepared. It is proposed that town centres will remain the focus of future retail investment.
The locational advantages Barony offers are noted. Noted Support welcomed Noted
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• The structure plan should be closely
aligned with the emerging tourism and events strategy.
• Integrated coastal zone management should aim to exploit development opportunities in a sustainable way. Golf, housing, sailing and outdoor access offer the most potential.
• Mineral extraction should be appraised according to local circumstances and explicitly take into account impact on the wider infrastructure.
Opportunities to develop the tourism product in Ayrshire have been identified. Noted The criteria to appraise mineral development is set out in policy ENV14.
82) Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
• SEPA commends the joint committee for
its approach and clarity in addressing the key strategic planning issues facing Ayrshire. The plan is simply structured and easy to follow.
• Welcomes the focus on genuinely large scale and cross boundary topics, allowing a ‘more concise and truly strategic plan’.
• Waste issues not covered at all and coverage of foul drainage not explicitly covered
• Support for action plan approach but this needs clarification.
• Welcomes the linkage to European legislation.
Support welcomed Support welcomed A section on waste and water and sewerage infrastructure is now included in the final plan.
Noted Support welcomed
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• SEPA welcomed the opportunity to be
involved in the sustainability appraisal process.
• Investment Corridor concept is supported as a novel and proactive approach in implementing the plan’s vision and aims and agree its utility in relation to delivery of the Water Framework Directive.
• Strong support for strategies promoting development and use of renewable energy - biomass timely given CAP reforms.
• Scope for more local combined heat and power generation; domestic use of wood fuels; and energy efficiency in building design.
• Support for ICZM Plan for Ayrshire as a priority with scope for integrating the Water Framework Directive and marine energy potential.
• Need to coordinate and link River Basin Management Plans and Water Framework Directive and SEPA welcomes proposed pilot for River Irvine.
• Development may be acceptable in medium to high risk flood areas, within areas already built up, provided flood prevention measures are in place, under construction or planned.
• Para 4.27 & Strategic Policy 2 should be amended to reference the risk framework
Noted
Noted
Support welcomed These issues have been incorporated within SCHEDULE 1, ECON 14, ECON 8 and ECON 6. Support welcomed Noted Noted Policy ENV8 establishes the framework within which development will be assessed. New
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on page 10 of SPP 7 and the appropriate use of the current flood risk maps.
• The role Flood Liaison Advice Groups (FLAGS) should be promoted through the structure plan.
• Flood mitigation from storm water through SUDS could be mentioned.
• Lack of any reference to waste issues in the draft, contrary to guidance, should be remedied to provide a strategic waste management spatial planning framework based on the Area Waste Plan and consistent with NPPG 10 and National Waste Planning.
• Waste minimisation should be explicitly added to good design practice (Strategic Policy 2/6).
• Concerned that air quality is not given specific consideration. SEPA recommends structure plan should require that local development plans are assessed for their potential impacts on air quality.
• Would like to see foul drainage dealt with as a distinct issue given its significance to the strategy and full consultation with Scottish Water on this matter.
• SEPA would oppose any proposals involving private discharges of treated effluent in sewered areas.
development will be located only where there is no unacceptable risk from flooding tidal inundation, coastal erosion or ground instability. Noted Refer to paragraph 107.
A section on waste is included. Reflected through SCHEDULE 1 Refer to Policy ENV 11. Policy IMP2 sets out an approach to the delivery of future infrastructure investment. Noted.
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83) Scottish Executive Development Department (Planning Division)
• Comments represent corporate view of
Scottish Executive. • Strategy accords well with spatial
priorities identified for Ayrshire in National Planning Framework.
• Welcome emphasis on Ayr Kilmarnock and Irvine as economic drivers.
• Welcome positive approach to development of innovative policies for rural housing and biomass plant search area.
• Concern that format confusing and text wordy and repetitious and that final structure plan should be shorter and sharper; key conclusions from monitoring previous plan should be main focus.
• Welcome references to Community Plans and Economic Forum and plan should also refer to local housing strategies.
• Not persuaded that ideas put forward as yet constitute a strong enough development strategy to reverse population trends. Concern that aspirational population target will not achieve desired result.
• Need to integrate reference to greenfield areas around towns in Chapter 4 with Core Investment Areas.
Noted Noted
Support welcomed
Support welcomed The format of the final structure plan reflects the current Structure Plan. Noted The Joint Committee has undertaken substantial research since the publication of the draft to show that the proposed development strategy is robust. This includes a review of migration trends and a review of the economic growth sectors.
Noted
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• Investment Corridors too numerous and
insufficiently focused and thus plan needs clearer sense of priorities.
• Assume Sustainability Appraisal will conform with Environmental Assessment of Plans Regulations.
• Specific reference should be made to
Green Jobs Strategy. • Welcome the recognition that integration
of land use and transportation is fundamental to the plan, though there are concerns over delivery, capacity and prioritisation.
• Need to specify the specific transport requirements for Hunterston, Ardeer and Glengarnock.
• Need to indicate priorities for the removal of infrastucture constraints. (Water & Drainage).
The role of the “Investment Corridors” is to show the linkage with the Core Investment Area. Their role is not to show where priorities in funding should lie. When the replacement Structure Plan was initiated in 2003 there was limited awareness of the SEA and the SEA Regulations were not in place. However in order to comply with best practice a comprehensive sustainability appraisal has been submitted with the final plan.
Delivering the environmental economy through emerging green technologies and more efficient resource use; together with jobs and investment based on the quality of the environment is recognised as a key driver for the future economy. Support welcomed. These are outlined in the transport section of the final plan.
The Joint committee has worked closely with Scottish Water to identify and quantify the cost of overcoming constraints.
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• Policies should address shortcomings in
operation and presentation of GPIA station/adequate luggage provision on trains.
• Supporting Rural Communities too heavily focused on primary sectors, and should support rural diversification in general not simply farm-based.
• Need to consider and develop aspects of rural housing in NPPG15 and SPP3.
• Need to ensure appropriate wording in relation to trunk road funding.
• Content with proposals for rail investment, though clearer priorities need to be addressed.
• Need to explore further port related links.
• The section on Investing in Communities needs to be more positive but housing land allocations accord well with findings of the Barker review.
• Spatial priorities for towns below Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine need to be clearer.
• Clearer statements required for Ardeer and Glengarnock.
Support by the Executive to fund growth in rail capacity would be welcomed. Passenger numbers are expected to grow from 2.4million to 6 million per year during the plan period.
Proposals which support rural diversification are encouraged. Refer to policy ECON 14. These guidance and policy documents have been considered. Noted The development of surface access links to Hunterston, Troon, Ardrossan and Ayr are priorities. Support for the scale of housing proposed is welcomed. This has been clarified in a number of ways , for example Table 3 and also Schedule 3. The opportunities at Ardeer are integral to the regeneration of Irvine Bay. Specific reference to the scale of opportunity for housing at Glengarnock (Kilbirnie/Lochshore) is given in Schedule 5
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• Plan requires clearer policy focus for
coalfield communities. • Hope that plan will say more about
affordable housing in the context of contribution from housebuilders and property values, but not persuaded there is need to include affordable housing in all land releases.
• Reference to sequential approach in policy goes beyond NPPG1.
• Need to include policy statements on out-of-centre retailing.
• Content with renewable energy section apart from need to consider heritage areas in upland landscapes.
• Suggest policies on other forms of energy generation could be appropriate.
• Need to be more specific on policies
derived from Woodland Strategy. • Tourism section gives good coverage but
might also include golf and links to the Americas.
National funding to support regeneration programmes and private sector investment is sought for the Irvine Bay area and the Coalfield Communities. To address deficiencies in affordable housing contributions consistent with local housing strategies will be sought.
Noted This is reflected in Policy COMM 6 Noted Policies to encourage energy efficiency and other forms of renewable energy, particularly those that are stand alone or of a domestic/community based scale have been incorporated. The Ayrshire & Arran Woodland Strategy is a detailed document and contains an action plan which is being deliverd.. The Ayrshire & Arran Woodland Strategy Diagram has been reproduced in the text together with policy ENV5.
Noted
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• Need to explore detail on World Heritage
Sites. • Chapter 4 requires restructuring to
separate out landscape and natural heritage issues.
• Support the position on landscape designation in para. 4.13, but there should be greater emphasis on development offering improved landscape and environmental quality.
• Biodiversity at the coast should receive more coverage, but policy on ICZM may be premature. Focus should be on NPPG13.
• Need for a more sharply focused policy on natural heritage designations.
• Section on design awareness welcome. • Need to consider flooding policy in the
light of SPP7 and the separation of urban and rural areas.
• Clear policy statement on waste is required.
• Recognition should be given to NPPG4 and NPPG16 and to COMAH Regulations.
Noted Refer to final plan text. The final plan has sought to recognise the significance of not only landscape protection but also improvement of degraded landscapes. The advice of NPPG13, Coastal Planning ( refer to coastal designations) was incorporated in AJSP1. This has now been reflected in detail within local plans.
Noted Support welcomed New development shall require to be located where there is no unacceptable risk from flooding, tidal inundation, coastal erosion or ground instability. This is recognised in SCHEDULE 1
84) Scottish Natural Heritage
• Welcome positive intentions of SP1 and
SP2 and the clear explanation of the choices facing Ayrshire.
Support welcomed
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• Support the intended strategy of
regeneration and the arguments for seeking to redress any imbalance in the distribution of economic growth.
• Welcome the Joint Committee's commitment to sustainable development and the sustainable appraisal of the Plan.
• Welcome the consultation on rural development issues including diversification and rural housing.
• Welcome the importance attached to environmental protection and enhancement in the aims of the strategy and to the role of the wider countryside in protecting and enhancing biodiversity and Natura interests, including the promotion of habitat networks.
• Welcome the value attached to Ayrshire's landscape and the intention to develop landscape protection criteria and to care equally for all landscapes outwith the NSA.
• Welcome the attention to the urban edge. • Welcome the importance attached to good
design and its relationship to climate change and the recognition of environmental capacity in schedule 2.
• Welcome the promotion of marine recreational areas and tourism, subject to the intended application of an integrated
Support welcomed Support welcomed
Support welcomed Support welcomed
Support welcomed Support welcomed
Support welcomed
Support welcomed
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approach to maritime related development and the overall protection of the natural heritage resource, including landscape.
• Welcome the locational approach to renewable energy development, the recognition of the constraints on windfarms, the intention to utilise the findings of the LUC study, and the encouragement to other forms of renewable energy.
• Supports the content and format of the existing plan and are concerned that the comprehensive and "user friendly" style of the existing plan will be lost and the level of policy protection provided to the natural heritage significantly diminished.
• Significantly concerned as to how implementation of the plans principles and aims will be assured particularly with regard to environmental protection and enhancement. This concern is a function of the format and brevity of the proposed policies and the uncertain status of the Plan following the prospective changes to the overall planning system.
• Significantly concerned that the draft plan makes considerable reference to the Economic Forum and its economic strategy without giving equal emphasis to the implementation of the Scottish
Support welcomed
The format of the final plan now reflects the “style” of the current Structure Plan. The final plan incorporates Policy STRAT1 and SCHEDULE 1 – Guiding Principles for Sustainable Development. Noted
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Biodiversity Strategy and the Ayrshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Draw attention to the duties placed on local authorities to further biodiversity through its decision making. Essential that the SBS and ABAP are integrated into the preparation, content and implementation of the strategic planning policy framework to be provided by the replacement Structure Plan.
• Significantly concerned by the means which will be struck between environmental protection and accommodating the required level of development, including the uncertain weight to be attached to environmental considerations in reviewing land allocations.
• Significantly concerned by the exacerbation of commuter based employment, the potential over-development of the Core Investment Area and coalescence through "ribon development" of the Investment Corridors.
• Seek the finalised plan to fulfil the requirements of the Nature Conservation Act and reflect the terms of the associated Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
Implementation of the LBAP is recognised through ENV7 (B). The Structure Plan has sought to establish in policy STRAT1 and Schedule 1 principles of sustainable development which will be prime considerations in framing future planning policy and local plans. The Joint Committee would welcome the assistance of SNH in the introduction of policies ENV3 & ENV4. The final plan has sought to meet these requirements.
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• Seek the finalised plan to contain more
detailed policies relating to environmental protection such as defining the hierarchy of international, national local designations and wider countryside interests; and policies (including criteria based policies) for minerals and renewable energy.
• Seek the finalised plan to provide a clear emphasis on environmental protection and enhancement over and above the creation of pleasant green space in and around the residential and employment allocations.
• Seek the finalised plan to provide a clearer emphasis on the role of the natural heritage in raising the quality of life as a central plank in social and economic regeneration. Seek the finalised plan to provide a more co-ordinated statement explaining the key role in regeneration of creating new natural heritage resources and enhancing and protecting existing resources.
• Seek the finalised plan to provide a clearer recognition of the environmental issues which are likely to be raised by infrastructure and housing/employment land proposals, and the inherent conflict between land release for development and
Refer to Policy ENV 7, ENV13 and ECON 7 The Committee seeks to strengthen the Green Network within Ayrshire and would welcome SNH support. A prime objective of the plan is to ensure that Ayrshire is an attractive place to live, work and invest. Policy STRAT 1, through Schedule 1 establishes obligations for future development to meet.
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environmental protection and enhancement.
• Seek the finalised plan to resolve the potential conflicts between increased land allocations (housing, transport and employment land) and protection and enhancement of the environment as the two principal means of regeneration of Ayrshire. Clarification of the means by which additional housing allocations will be controlled to avoid the "cherry picking" of the value greenfield sites in preference to the utilisation of available brownfield sites.
• Seek the finalised plan to clarify how environmental capacity will be determined and the means by which it will influence the allocations of sites.
• Seek the finalised plan to provide a stronger steer to other forms of renewable energy and a recalculation of the overall pro rata requirement for renewable energy; Seek the finalised plan to provide a clearer recognition of the impact of cumulative effects and an indication of the overall capacity of the preferred areas for windfarms, perhaps including a limit based on national targets to avoid saturation of these areas and a
The phasing and programming of future development will be taken forward through specific local plans. Previously developed land will be promoted in preference to Greenfield land. Developers will be required to show environmental thresholds have not been exceeded. Policies to encourage energy efficiency and other forms of renewable energy, particularly those that are stand alone or of a domestic/community based scale have been incorporated. The capacity of the landscape to accommodate growth in wind turbines is recognised (refer to LUC study). Proposals for large scale wind farm development will be directed firstly to the preferred areas of search.
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presumption against development outwith such areas.
• Wish to see the associated development of additional housing, employment land and required infrastructure result in new and enhanced landscapes. A central plank of the overall strategy, should be the protection and enhancement of the existing high quality environmental asset rather than an adjunct to the allocation and development of land. The uncertainty as to how the Plan's aims and policies will be implemented and the perceived imbalance in the draft plan content may result in SNH objecting to the finalised plan unless concerns outlined above are addressed.
This can be addressed through masterplans that incorporate the principles of Schedule 1. The safeguarding and enhancement of the quality of the environment is one of the five key objectives.
85) Scottish Renewables
• Support the comments of British Wind
Energy Association
Noted
86) Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society
• References to new access legislation
should be written in the context of the public at large as well as for tourism.
• Within the coverage of access, there should be mention of local authorities’ responsibilities on core path formation; and also the continued relevance of rights
Refer to paragraph 55.
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of way and the ongoing responsibilities to preserve and protect them.
87) Scottish Water
• Core Investment Areas: Due to current
sewerage constraints in Irvine & Kilmarnock, developers are required to fund Development Impact Assessments and any additional work where their proposed developments cause an adverse impact on "unsatisfactory" combined sewer overflows. Scottish Water would prefer that groups of development upstream of UCSO's have a common mitigation solution associated with their respective developments. More densely populated areas may allow developers to form consortia to fund communal solutions. Similar situations may exist within the water infrastructure.
• Housing in the Countryside: It should be noted that many small settlements do not have public sewerage systems. Scottish Water may adopt new small treatment works or communal septic tanks but this would be done on a business case with possible sewerage rate income weighted against the cost of maintenance over a fixed period.
Noted: There is a general presumption the private sector will be required to fund the servicing of their sites, except where it can be demonstrated there is a broader community interest. Noted
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• Housing Location: In planning for future
housing cognisance should be taken of water and sewerage constraints in place at the time. Scottish water should be contacted at an early stage to ascertain if there are any water supply issues.
• Windfarms: Environmental Impact Assessments would be required before detailed comments could be made.
• Other Issues: Cognisance of the availability of water and sewerage infrastructure must be considered.
The Committee in conjunction with Scottish water have undertaken detailed modelling of the sewerage system.
All large scale windfarms will be the subject of an EIA Noted
88) Shedden, Sheila
• Independent retail outlets should be
encouraged in favour of multiple outlets in town centres to generate greater consumer choice and broaden the appeal and character of shopping centres.
Noted
89) South Ayrshire Council (Councillor Peter Convery)
• Aspiration of economic growth and
population stability is commended. • National trend of population decline can
be bucked in Ayrshire. • Demographic aspirations should be
worded more robustly. • Potential of Hunterston will only be
realised through improved road and rail
Noted This is a primary objective of the Structure Plan. Noted
The Structure Plan recognises the importance of this investment and seeks priority to be given to promotion and development of an enhanced
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infrastructure including the upgrading of the A70 along with appropriate by-passes.
• Potential of the ports of Ayr and Troon needs to be developed further.
• Kilmarnock valley proposals must be assessed in the context of the development of the Glasgow Southern Orbital and the impacts it may have in the vicinity.
• Thought has to be given to the long-term capacity of critical rail lines.
• The feasibility of a rail link from east of Ayrshire to Ayr should be investigated.
• Rail halts in the vicinity of the timber industry are required.
• Ayr is the principal county town and should be given more emphasis as a result of this.
• There should be a multiple track approach to affordable housing that includes coherent, sustainable and deliverable policy.
• There are opportunities to develop water/wind related tourist attractions.
• There is a need for a joint, long-term strategy on coastal and tidal river defence.
east-west link to the M74 motorway including A78 improvements to Hunterston. Reflected through Policy ECON 1 Noted
Increase capacity in the rail network, including sections beyond the boundaries of Ayrshire are recognised. Noted This is recognised in SCHEDULE 9. In particular , there is considerable opportunity to develop a rail interchange in the vicinity of Barrhill to service local timber suppliers in the area. Noted Noted
The opportunities to develop environmental resources for the benefit of the tourist are significant and recognised through Policy ECON 12 & ECON 13. Noted
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90) Sportscotland
• Greater emphasis should be given to local
community facilities and infrastructure. The Structure Plan should give stronger guidance to local plans to appraise the networks of community facilities and to identify deficiencies and investment opportunities.
• Recommend that Plan requires each local authority to undertake a strategic assessment of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, having regard to major housing growth proposals. Such strategies, by establishing the capacity of existing facilities may also assist in finalising appropriate levels of housing development which can be accommodated in each settlement.
• The plan should give positive guidance to local plans on the need to facilitate access to the countryside and to develop a core path network. Planning for recreation should also be an essential component of coastal zone management (eg watersports and golf).
• Former mineral extraction sites may offer an opportunity for recreation (eg watersports and motorsports).
The provision of local community sporting facilities and infrastructure is best addressed through the local plan.
Refer to policy ECON 13 and Policy ENV4 which promotes the concept of a Green Network.
Noted
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91) Stagecoach West Scotland
• Generally agree with the principles and
objectives of the draft. • More priority should be given to the
potential buses offer as a cost effective and efficient means of encouraging economic development.
• Developments need to be accessible to buses.
Support welcomed Noted Noted
92) Stewart Milne Group
• Support the Vision Statement. • The 2nd principle aim of the Draft Plan
should be amended to read “to promote strong and vibrant communities by realising their potential for growth through the provision of appropriate levels of additional housing”.
• Support the identification of the Gateway Locations.
• Support the promotion of additional development within the appropriate communities.
• Support the concept of Investment Corridors.
• Mauchline should be identified for future significant growth within the M74 corridor.
Support welcomed
Noted: Measures that encourage economic development underpinned by a sustainable population are recognised. Support welcomed Support welcomed Support welcomed. Mauchline is identified as a preferred area for future housing expansion.
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• Substantial proportions of the remaining
housing and business land requirements should be promoted to certain settlements within appropriate Investment Corridors in order to present a critical mass to support associated infrastructure.
• No objections to the identification of Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock as Core Investment Area Towns.
• Support the identification of Mauchline as a significant development opportunity but further specific guidance should be provided to augment this specific designation.
• Support a bypass for the settlement of Mauchline.
• Specific new passenger rail halts should be identified within the Structure Plan.
• There should be a specific designation for a rail halt at Mauchline.
• Support the conclusion that it is not viable for Ayrshire to meet future housing demands up to 2025 from existing housing allocations.
• Any requirement for future affordable housing within the Ayrshire area should be based on an up to date and robust assessment of housing needs.
Noted Noted
The scale of housing envisaged in Mauchline has been identified through SCHEDULE 5. Support welcomed A number of new stations locations have been identified through SCHEDULE 7. Mauchline is identified in SCHEDULE 7
Noted Noted: This is reflected through Policy COMM4.
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94) Troon Community Council
• The Vision Statement is too vague and
could be conveyed in simpler terms. • Population decline is not acceptable but
stabilisation of the population will be difficult in light of recent demographic trends. The M77 extension will almost certainly lead to pressure for development in its vicinity.
• The principle aims of the strategy are supported.
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport must be supported with measures to encourage freight and charter services promoted. Monkton Aerospace Park should be aggressively marketed.
• Freight at Troon harbour is constrained by the local road network with existing haulage having a detrimental effect on neighbouring communities.
• Areas surrounding Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock should be the focus for future employment and housing development.
• Development to the east of the A77 should not be hindered.
• Investment in areas outwith the Investment Corridors should be encouraged as well.
Noted It is recognised that promoting a stable population in Ayrshire presents a significant challenge.
Support welcomed Noted The constraints associated with the port facilities are recognised and reflected through Policy ECON 1. Ayr , Irvine & Kilmarnock are preferred areas for future housing expansion. South East Ayr is identified as a preferred expansion area east of the A77 Noted
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• Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock should be
promoted jointly on a national scale.
• The community hierarchy is supported. • Planning regulations in rural areas should
be relaxed to allow alternative land-uses that promote employment opportunities. There should be more scope for housing in rural areas.
• The problems of the transport network have been appropriately identified.
• Communities should be involved in discussions regarding regeneration.
• As much future housing as possible is required with major developments focussed around the core towns. Smaller houses should be constructed in line with the trend toward smaller households.
• Affordable housing should be included as a proportion of new developments where there is an identified need for such housing. Councils should allocate surplus sites for affordable housing to increase the stock of Council housing.
• The future industrial requirements identified are appropriate.
• Town centres should be the focus for future retail development.
The Core Investment area covering Ayr, Irvine & Kilmarnock is recognised in the National Planning Framework. Support welcomed Policy COMM 5 provides guidance on the future development of housing in the Countryside.
Noted Noted It is proposed to meet identified housing requirements in full. Provision of affordable housing will be made where it is justified by housing needs assessment and in accord with the Councils local housing strategy.
Noted Town centres are the preferred location for future retail investment.
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• Improved road and rail infrastructure is
required to grow the timber industry. • Local communities need to be consulted
on sites proposed for renewable energy developments.
• More locations are likely to be required for wind farms but these must be sensitive to Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, World Heritage Sites, S.S.S.I.’s, wildlife sites and other delicate sites.
• Tourism should be promoted with emphasis on the golf facilities. Service provision for Tourists is lacking due to inadequate Tourist Information facilities.
• Policy for urban fringe development will leave areas under developer pressure open to abuse. Landscape designation including woodland, man-made lakes and Country Parks should be utilised to protect the urban edge of towns.
• New legislation on flooding should be investigated to appraise the impact on areas suitable for development.
Noted Noted A planned approach based on the concentration of development into a smaller number of larger windfarms has been adopted. It is hoped this approach will reduce the overall level of landscape and visual impact.
Noted- Refer to ECON 12 ENV2, 3 & 4 establish a framework for landscape protection and enhancement through the development of green networks.
Noted- Policy ENV8 seeks to guide development away from the most vulnerable flood areas.
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95) Warren Consultants (on behalf of Ashtenne Industrial Fund Limited Partnership)
• Support Strategic Policy 1 which makes
provision for the reallocation of vacant and underused industrial land to alternative uses.
Support welcomed
96) WESTRANS (Officer – not approved by the WESTRANS Joint Committee)
• Seek to continue the close links between
the Structure Plan Team and WESTRANS.
• Welcome the inclusion of transport as one of the 6 issues that are considered of primary importance.
• Welcome the intention to promote new development in locations that are accessible to all modes of transport.
• Stress the importance of key road and rail infrastructure routes in linking Ayrshire Gateway locations to their markets.
• Draft Plan should mention and be consistent with the Ayrshire Joint Transport Strategy.
Support welcomed Close working between the two partnerships and joint committees has ensured compatibility.