PLANS for an 'eco therapy wellness park' at the former Barony Colliery near Auchinleck are officially back on the agenda.
The controversial proposals were rejected by East Ayrshire councillors following a knife-edge vote earlier this year after concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the plans.
And now developers National Pride UK have come forward with new plans for the site - which they say will be "the first true nature-based wellbeing destination in Europe", if permission is granted.
The company has submitted a 'proposal of application notice' (PAN), which it says signifies its intent to submit a new application for 'planning permission in principle'.
The submission of a PAN means the company must now hold at least 12 weeks of public consultation on the proposals, which the firm says will include two public information events.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA), required by East Ayrshire Council, will be submitted as part of the planning application, together with geotechnical and engineering evidence.
This will focus specifically on the suitability of the ground conditions of the ‘bing’ for the development of lightweight guest accommodation and facilities.
The proposed development would feature a range of facilities such as visitor accommodation, activity zone, yoga terrace and dance studio, cafe, spa and a ‘productive landscapes hub’ with a variety of workshops and venues on the site of the former Barony Colliery adjacent to the Barony A-Frame, outside Auchinleck.
Allocated for recreational and leisure uses by East Ayrshire Council, Barony Wellness is proposed to be the first true nature-based wellbeing destination in Europe.
The first of the two public consultation events will take place at the Ochiltree Community Hub from 4pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday, June 27.
The second will be held in early August at a venue and date still to be confirmed.
A spokesperson for Barony (NP) UK said: "The proposed non-exclusive health and wellness destination will stimulate local economic growth, and encourage significant inward investment, creating around 400 local jobs.
"It will also support many more in the business supply chain, where priority will be given to local trades and businesses.
"Education, training and work opportunities for young and vulnerable adults of all ages will be a priority, with volunteering opportunities offered in a welcoming and safe environment.
"Local trades, crafts and businesses will be encouraged to showcase their services, especially those using natural ingredients grown on site in a circular ecology sympathetic economy.
Read More: PICTURES: Cumnock Juniors fun day sees Junior Cup winners given a joyous reception
"A mining heritage museum is proposed to reconnect the local community with the former coal site, also paying tribute to the industry and those that worked in the mine, especially those who suffered injury or who lost their lives.
"It is felt to be important that future generations are aware what the site meant to the local community.
"The development will also aim to incorporate and demonstrate the latest in renewable energy technology, including geo-thermal energy from the warm mine water beneath the surface.
"A proportion of the profits accrued from the development by National Pride UK CIC will be reinvested back into community wellbeing projects and to support NHS student training."
The Barony colliery which formerly occupied the site closed in 1989 and the site has been left to return to nature since then.
The frame which housed the colliery's winding gear - the 'A Frame' - remains in place, towering over the surrounding landscape, and is now looked after by a volunteer trust.
Barony NP (UK) Ltd says it will support the Barony A-Frame Trust with its future plans.
In February of this year East Ayrshire Council's planning committee refused permission for the project - but only on the casting vote of the committee's chair, the area's Provost, Jim Todd, after a vote was tied six apiece over whether to approve the company's proposals.
Irene Bisset, chair of National Pride UK, added: “We are delighted to be progressing this planning application and to provide reassurance on the ground conditions through an environmental impact assessment.
“The Eco-Therapy Wellness Park will serve to enhance the biodiversity of the currently unmanaged site and deliver considerable investment and employment opportunities in East Ayrshire, in what we believe will be the first true nature-based wellbeing destination in Europe.
“We look forward to engaging with the local community as we progress these exciting proposals.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here