FRESH fears have been raised over the prospect of controversial plans for a £60 million 'eco therapy wellness park' near Auchinleck being resurrected.
An outline planning application by developers National Pride UK (NP) for the former Barony colliery site sparked more than 70 objections and was turned down by the planning committee at East Ayrshire Council (EAC) earlier this year.
A new document submitted to the local authority suggests a revised application is in the works - but objectors say the document suggests that the developer has changed little from its previous plans and hasn't listened to the concerns of objectors.
An 'environmental impact assessment screening request' published on the council's website states: "NP is now preparing a new planning application to be submitted that will provide further details and assessment on the issues covered by the refusal notice of the former application.
"Fundamentally, the proposed development remains unchanged to that sought previously."
National Pride's outline application sought 'permission in principle' for around 200 lodges and 'geodesic domes' on the site, to the south-east of the landmark Barony A Frame, between Auchinleck and Ochiltree.
National Pride UK's original outline application was refused by East Ayrshire councillors on a knife-edge vote in February (Image: National Pride UK)
The firm's proposals also featured 'active health and mental relaxation facilities', as well as exercise and craft activities and amenities.
Those who voted against the plans at the planning committee's meeting in February were concerned at the risk to wildlife and the lack of information on the suitability of the site – occupied by a colliery between 1906 and 1989.
Bruce Philp from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which objected to the previous application, said local people were still opposed to the development in full and claimed there was nothing new in the revised plans.
Mr Philp who lives Ochiltree, added: "This is essentially a rehash of what National Pride put out to begin with.
"They don't seem to have made any major changes, and there is no new information.
"The Scottish Wildlife Trust would like to see details of all surveys carried out on the site in the last year made public, and for the council to require a full environmental impact assessment.
"We believe that the impact of this development on the wildlife is severe, and the mitigation suggested by the developer is completely inadequate."
The proposed centre would be located on the site of the former Barony colliery and next to the famous Barony A Frame (Image: Lyle Dornan/Cumnock Chronicle Camera Club)
Another local objector, ecologist Mike Howes, added: "It is not surprising that National Pride have submitted a revised application as they would not have been successful with an appeal against the council's decision.
"I think that National Pride thought that it was a foregone conclusion when they dangled the prospect of 200 jobs in front of the council.
"There is a lot of opposition to the Barony development from local people who do not want to see things change."
However, the original application also attracted support from several local groups.
Stephen McCarron from Auchinleck Community Council, which gave its backing to the proposals, described the prospect of a revised planning application as a positive step.
He added:"We welcomed the original application in principle, and were disappointed that the council were not supportive.
"We also welcome the fact that the council now seem to have entered into a positive dialogue with the developer
Provost Jim Todd's casting vote saw National Pride UK's original application refused (David Gordon)
"There needs to be a balanced view taken between the economic benefits and the environmental impact."
The wellness park has also attracted the support of Auchinleck Community Development Initiative and the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce – who believe the centre will bring jobs and boost tourism.
The new 'screening request' has been drawn up on behalf of National Pride by London consultancy firm RPS.
National Pride first unveiled plans for their 'wellness centre' in September 2020.
The plans were turned down on the casting vote of the planning committee's chairman, Provost Jim Todd.
Their spokesperson said: “We fully appreciate the concerns raised by the planning committee and we are working with our very experienced consultants to present all necessary evidential information in a resubmission for consideration."
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