Plans for new holiday parks in Ayrshire set to be rejected due to concern for coastal landscape

Plans for new holiday parks are expected to be rejected in South Ayrshire, over concerns they will negatively impact the landscape.

Councillors have been asked to reject the park bids which officers say would have “detrimental visual impact on the coastal landscape”.

The first application seeks approval to build nine holiday units at Castlehill Farm, less than a mile north of Culzean Castle.

Almost 90 objections have been made about the proposal that would see one, two and three-bedroom lodges built.

Even the three supporting representations features points considered to be objections, according to planners.

Issues include the impact on the landscape, flooding concerns, noise and air pollution, outdoor access, disruption during construction and whether there is a need for a holiday park.

In a report to South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel, planners state that the area in which the units are to be situated is designated as ‘undeveloped’ coast.

This formal visitor facility, they say, would result in a ‘detrimental visual impact on the coastal landscape setting of the locale’, and recommend refusal.

The other application relates to a site 1.5 miles from the Holmston Roundabout on the A77, around two miles west of Annbank.

Like the first application, this seeks to change the use of undeveloped land to create a holiday park. This would feature eight lodges and 20 caravan pitches as well as a central reception building.

The park would feature two and three-bedroom lodges, with raised decking and, for the three-bedroomed units, a hot tub.

Unlike the other application, there are more representations of support, 12, than objections 11.

These objections include claims it is contrary to planning policy, will impact on landscape, potential to exacerbate flooding, created noise, odour and light pollution, has little in the way of pathway connections and no nearby amenities.

Supporters say it would provide a quieter choice for visitors, is a small family business and would be good for the local economy.

Planners have highlighted ‘significant concerns that the application proposals would have a detrimental visual impact on the established rural landscape character and setting of the locale’.

The report continues: “Furthermore, the development is considered to be sited in an unsustainable location which is not connected to local footpaths, cycle paths or any bus or rails routes and does not encourage active travel.”

Councillors will consider the application on Wednesday, October 12.