Cumbrae Local Place Plan
North Ayrshire Council · 22 January 2025
Back to Planning Committee — 22 January 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 22 January 2025 Planning Committee Title: Cumbrae Local Place Plan Purpose: To advise Members on the preparation and submission of a Local Place Plan by Cumbrae Community Council. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Planning Committee: 1) agrees to the registration of the Local Place Plan for Cumbrae submitted by Cumbrae Community Council, and 2) notes the requirement to take account of the plan in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s third Local Development Plan (LDP3). 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced a new right for communities to produce Local Place Plans (LPPs): community-led plans setting out proposals for the development and use of land and buildings. The aim of LPPs is to enhance engagement in development planning by empowering communities to play a proactive role in defining the future of their places. Planning authorities must take account of registered Local Place Plans when preparing a Local Development Plan. 1.2 Cumbrae Community Council submitted a Local Place Plan to the Council on 17 December 2024. Cumbrae Community Council meets the definition of a ‘community body’ and it is adjudged to have met the requirements concerning the form and content of a Local Place Plan; the steps to be taken before submission; and provided the information required by the legislation and regulations. Accordingly, North Ayrshire Council as planning authority should accept the Local Place Plan as valid and proceed to register the plan. 2. Background 2.1 Local Place Plans are part of the Scottish Government’s wider work on planning reform which includes steps to reduce conflict, improve community engagement and build public trust in planning matters. Local Place Plans offer the opportunity for a community-led, collaborative approach to creating great local places. It is important that local people can engage meaningfully and have a positive influence in the future planning of development in their areas. The aim of LPPs is to enhance engagement in development planning, empowering communities to play a proactive role in defining the future of their places. The legislative requirements for the preparation, submission
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and registration of Local Place Plans are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, as amended by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, and the Town and Country Planning (Local Place Plan) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. 2.2 The Act and Regulations set out the minimum requirements for of the preparation, form and content and submission of Local Place Plans. LPPs may be prepared by a ‘Community Body’ defined as a community-controlled body within the definition given in section 19 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 or a community council established in accordance with Part 4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. LPPs must set out and map proposals as to the development or use of land and have regard to certain documents. Prior to submission the community body preparing the Local Place Plan must prepare an ‘information notice’ for local councillors and relevant community councils and finally should set out the level and nature of community support for the plan. 2.3 Cumbrae Community Council intimated their intention to create a Local Place Plan in June 2023, following an initial meeting with the Planning Service in November 2022. Support was provided by the Planning Service throughout the preparation of the plan. Cumbrae Community Council submitted their Local Place Plan to the Council on 17 December 2024. Cumbrae Local Place Plan Proposals 2.4 A copy of the submitted Local Place Plan for Cumbrae submitted by the community council is provided at Appendix 1. It is not the role of the planning authority at this stage to assess the proposals contained within the LPP for their planning merit or deliverability, however, the Plan’s proposals for the development and use of land are summarised at Appendix 2. There proposals include: • New housing and Care Home • Business start-up and support facilities • A household-waste recycling centre • Camping and motorhome sites • A cycle lane linking Millport to the ferry slip Registration 2.5 When a planning authority receives a Local Place Plan it should acknowledge receipt of the plan and check it whether it is valid. A valid LPP is one which a) has been prepared by a Community Body; b) is a proposal as to the development and use of land; and c) fulfils the legal requirements set out in the 1997 Act and the 2021 Regulations. If these three conditions are met, then the planning authority must accept the Local Place Plan as valid and proceed to register it. 2.6 The Planning Service proposes to take a ‘light touch’ approach to the interpretation of the legislative requirements and has liaised with Cumbrae Community Council to ensure the submitted LPP meets the requirements of a valid Local Place Plan. It is adjudged that the Local Place Plan for Cumbrae submitted by Cumbrae Community Council is a valid LPP and should be registered. 2.7 Every planning authority must keep a register of Local Place Plans and make publicly available a map that shows the land to which the Local Place Plans in their register of
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Local Place Plans relate. When a valid Local Place Plan is submitted by a community body, it must be included in the register and the community body that submitted the plan informed that it has been registered. The register and map must be available for inspection by the public free of charge at all reasonable hours at an office of the planning authority and on a website maintained for that purpose. North Ayrshire’s Register of Local Place Plans is available to view at: Local Place Plans Other Local Place Plans 2.8 In accordance with the legislation, an ‘invitation to prepare a Local Place Plan’ was published in May 2023 and sent directly to community councils and to community groups via locality planning partnerships. Community bodies intending to prepare a Local Place Plan were invited to submit a ‘notice of intention to prepare a Local Place Plan’ by completing an online form. 2.9 To date, the Planning Committee has agreed to the registration of Local Place Plans for West Kilbride, Seamill and Portencross submitted by West Kilbride Community Council in October 2023 and for Stevenston, submitted by Stevenston Community Council in June 2024. The Cumbrae Local Place Plan is one of two being presented to the January meeting, while Planning Services and the Regeneration team are supporting community bodies in the Garnock Valley to jointly prepare a Local Place Plan. Two other community bodies have also indicated an interest or are in the process of preparing a Local Place Plan: Fairlie Community Council and Skelmorlie Environment Trust. 2.10 The Planning Service will continue to support community bodies seeking to progress a Local Place Plan on an individual basis, as required or requested. In line with the amended timetable for the preparation of LDP3 set out in the latest Development Plan Scheme, the deadline for submission of Local Place Plans has been further extended from November 2024 to March 2025. The original deadline was set at 30 June 2024. The intention is to allow community bodies the time they require to complete and submit a valid Local Place Plan so that it may be taken into account in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s third local development plan. 3. Proposals 3.1 It is recommended that the Planning Committee agrees to the registration of a Local Place Plan for Cumbrae submitted by Cumbrae Community Council and notes the requirement to take account of the plan in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s third Local Development Plan (LDP3). 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 None. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal
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4.3 The legislative requirements for the preparation, submission and registration of Local Place Plans are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and the Town and Country Planning (Local Place Plan) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The Council is required to take account of registered Local Place Plans in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s third Local Development Plan (LDP3) which will be subject of an equalities impact assessment and assessment on the impact of the plan on children. Environmental and Sustainability 4.5 The Council is required to take account of registered Local Place Plans in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s third Local Development Plan (LDP3) which will be subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Appraisal. Key Priorities 4.6 Communities and Local Democracy are one of four interlinked and interdependent priorities set out in the Council Plan (2023-28). The preparation of Local Place Plans by community bodies are a means of enabling local communities to be active in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s next Local Development Plan and placemaking approaches. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 While there is no legal requirement for a Community Body to engage with the wider community in the preparation of a Local Place Plan, it is however required to include a statement setting out its view of the level and nature of support for the Local Place Plan and the basis on which it has reached that view, including a description of any consultation in respect of the proposed plan. 5.2 Pages 12-17 of the submitted Cumbrae Local Place Plan provide a summary of the community consultation undertake by the Cumbrae Community Council, including the findings. 545 responses were received to an online survey carried out in March and April, supported by drop-in sessions, stakeholder consultation, sessions with the Boys’ Brigade, Cumbrae Primary School and one-to-one interviews. Further consultation on a draft plan was undertaken in October 2024. DAVID W. HAMMOND Executive Director (Communities and Housing) For further information please contact Alistair Gemmell, Strategic Planning Manager, on 01294 324021.
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Background Papers 0
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Cumbrae Local Place Plan December 2024 www.cumbrae.org cumbraeccouncil@gmail.com facebook.com/CumbraeCommunityCouncil
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CONTENTS IntroducƟon ................................................................. 1 The planning system .................................................... 2 Local Place Plans .......................................................... 3 Background about Cumbrae ........................................ 5 Community consultaƟon ............................................ 12 The proposals ............................................................. 18 Combined map .......................................................... 38 Appendix 1: Regard to other plans ............................. 40 Appendix 2: References ............................................. 41 About Cumbrae Community Council ......................... 45 Page 1 INTRODUCTION This Local Place Plan sets out our community’s aspiraƟons for planning policy and land use on Cumbrae. The local community’s experience with a number of recent planning applicaƟons convinced Cumbrae Community Council (CCC) that local residents, community groups and businesses need to have more of a say in the way land is used on the island. CreaƟng a Local Place Plan is an opportunity to consult with the community and create a shared vision for future development. It highlights places that are important to the community, proposes areas that might be suitable for development, and idenƟfies others that are not. This Local Place Plan was prepared by Cumbrae Community Council and relates to land on the island of Great Cumbrae. It sets out background informaƟon about Cumbrae, explains the consultaƟon process that has been undertaken, presents a number of proposals for land use on Cumbrae and provides a series of maps idenƟfying the land that those proposals relate to. It builds on a range of other iniƟaƟves and reports, including the Cumbrae Island Plan, the 2021 Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report and the Carbon Neutral Island (CNI) Project. This Local Place Plan will be updated over Ɵme as the needs and aspiraƟons of the community evolve.
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Page 2 THE PLANNING SYSTEM The planning system is used to decide whether proposed developments should be permiƩed. Responsibility for planning generally lies with local planning authoriƟes. The planning system is plan-led. Plans set out how places will change, where development should and should not happen and places that should be protected. Plans guide decisions on applicaƟons for planning permission1. The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act prescribes four different levels of plan: The NaƟonal Planning Framework (NPF). This sets out Scoƫsh Ministers’ policies and proposals for the development and use of land. Regional SpaƟal Strategies (RSS). Long-term strategies for the strategic development of an area prepared by a single planning authority, or a number of planning authoriƟes working together. Local Development Plans (LDP). Prepared by local planning authoriƟes, showing how their area will change, including where development should and should not happen. Local Place Plans (LPP). Community-led plans seƫng out proposals for the development and use of land in a local area. This Local Place Plan has been prepared in advance of North Ayrshire Council’s new Local Development Plan (LDP3)2 so that it can influence the development of LDP3. NB Some areas also have Locality Plans which cover local areas that would benefit most from improvement3. Cumbrae is covered by the North Coast Locality area4. 1 Local development planning guidance, Scoƫsh Government, 24 May 2023. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/local- development-planning-guidance/ 2 Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3), North Ayrshire Council. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building- standards/ldp/ldp3 3 Community planning, Scoƫsh Government. hƩps://www.gov.scot/policies/improving-public-services/community- planning/ 4 Our LocaliƟes: North Coast, North Ayrshire Council. hƩps://northayrshire.community/your-community/north-coast- cumbrae/ Page 3 LOCAL PLACE PLANS Local Place Plans are prepared by, or on behalf of, a Community Council or other community-controlled body. Preparing a Local Place Plan is community-led and collaboraƟve, involving as many people and organisaƟons as possible with an interest in the local area5. The right for communiƟes to produce Local Place Plans was created in 2019 by new planning legislaƟon allowing communiƟes to set out their ideas for the development and use of land in their area. They describe aspiraƟons for the place communiƟes live and suggest ways of tackling the challenges they face. Local Place Plans are intended to be soluƟons-focused, realisƟc, deliverable and as specific as possible. They are a tool for local communiƟes to think about how to improve their local area, agree prioriƟes, and take acƟon. The Planning Act6 and the Local Place Plan RegulaƟons7 set out the steps that must be taken in the preparaƟon of a Local Place Plan: The Local Place Plan must have regard to other plans (or emerging plans) such as the Local Development Plan, the NaƟonal Planning Framework and the Locality Plan, where there is one. The Local Place Plan must set out in a statement any reasons for considering that the Local Development Plan should be amended. It should refer to other local, naƟonal or regional plans or strategies which may be relevant, such as the NaƟonal Islands Plan, as well as planning permissions which may have a significant impact on the local area. Local Place Plans should be short, clear and visual, seƫng out proposals and prioriƟes. 5 Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/asp/2015/6/contents 6 The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/8/contents 7 The Town and Country Planning (Local Place Plans) (Scotland) RegulaƟons 2021. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/ssi/2021/353/contents/made
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Page 4 Local Place Plans must: IdenƟfy the Community Body that prepared the Local Place Plan. Contain a map that shows the land to which the Local Place Plan relates. Contain a statement of proposals about the development or use of land within the Local Place Plan area. A copy of the proposed Local Place Plan and an informaƟon noƟce must be sent to each councillor for the Local Place Plan area, and any Community Council that adjoins the Local Place Plan area. The Local Place Plan can then be submiƩed to the planning authority. This must include a statement about how it has had regard to other plans and policies and how it might align with or differ from them. It should also include a statement seƫng out a view of the level and nature of support for the Local Place Plan and the basis on which this view has been reached, including any consultaƟon. If a Local Place Plan meets the legal requirements set out in the legislaƟon the local planning authority must accept and register it and then they must take it into account in the preparaƟon of their own local development plan8. 8 Planning circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans. Scoƫsh Government. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/circular-1-2022- local-place-plans/ Page 5 BACKGROUND ABOUT CUMBRAE History of development The Isle of Cumbrae, also known as Great Cumbrae or Cumbrae, occupies an area of 11.68 km² in the Firth of Clyde9. It is approximately 5 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide, rising to a maximum height of 127 metres above sea level. At just 1.5 miles from the Scoƫsh mainland, it is one of Scotland's most accessible islands. Cumbrae has been inhabited since the last ice age around 10,000 years ago. Millport is the only town on the island, located at its southern end. Millport was established following a 1634 decision to base a revenue cuƩer in the Firth of Clyde to collect duƟes and prevent smuggling. The Garrison was built in 1745 as the soldiers’ barracks and the Captain’s mansion. The ‘Old Town’ of Millport was originally defined by the intersecƟon of Cardiff Street, Stuart Street and Clyde Street. The New Town to the east of the Garrison developed from the 1840s, and subsequently rows of Victorian villas were developed around Kames Bay, Marine Parade, and along West Bay Road. A more modern housing estate was developed to the west of Ferry Road from the 1950’s, with the latest phase of 18 new homes completed at Lady Margaret Court in 2023. Fast steamers and the railways led to a growth in tourism on the island and from the 1860’s Millport became a popular resort town. New hotels, guesthouses, and recreaƟonal faciliƟes were developed. The Cathedral of the Isles was established in 1851 and a Marine Biological StaƟon opened in 1885. The emergence of cheap package holidays in the mid-20th century resulted in a shiŌ towards more day trips, but the island has remained a popular tourist desƟnaƟon, parƟcularly for cycling, walking and water sports. 9 Scotland’s Census 2001, StaƟsƟcs for Inhabited Islands, General Register Office for Scotland, 28 November 2003.
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Page 6 To cater for these changing needs, new holiday parks and campsites were established around Millport, and Garrison House was redeveloped into a community hub, housing a museum, café, and library. The island has recently benefited from the development of a £48 million flood defence scheme, and a marina is planned within the newly-sheltered bay. The Town Hall is also being refurbished, the Field Studies Council (FSC) centre has been redeveloped and there are plans to develop the College buildings associated with the Cathedral. In addiƟon, the island has been selected by the Scoƫsh Government to be one of six carbon neutral islands. PopulaƟon The populaƟon of Cumbrae peaked around 1900, and has slowly declined since then, with a current esƟmate of 1,37610 11 12 13 14 15. 10 Scoƫsh Islands Typology: overview 2024, Scoƫsh Government. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/scoƫsh-islands- typology-overview-2024/pages/7/ 11 Island and parish of Cumbray, 1840, The Rev. James Drummond. hƩps://stataccscot.ed.ac.uk/data/pdfs/account2/StAS.2.5.69.P.Bute.Cumbray.pdf 12 Report on the twelŌh census of Scotland, A vision of Britain through Ɵme. hƩps://www.visionoĩritain.org.uk/census/S1911POP/3 13 Scotland’s Census 2001, StaƟsƟcs for Inhabited Islands, General Register Office for Scotland, 2003. 14 Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report, North Ayrshire Council, October 2021. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/economic-baseline-cumbraes.pdf 15 Cumbraes, Buteshire, Scotland Genealogy, Family Search. hƩps://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Cumbraes,_Buteshire,_Scotland_Genealogy Page 7 Cumbrae has a relaƟvely elderly populaƟon, with a significantly lower percentage of younger people than North Ayrshire or Scotland. This means it has a greater need for accessibility and care provision than many other communiƟes. The populaƟon is approximately 50% male and 50% female16. Economy Millport is in the most deprived 20% of all areas in Scotland17. Cumbrae faces a number of challenges common to many Scoƫsh islands, including an elderly populaƟon, populaƟon decline, economic decline, access problems caused by an unreliable ferry service, and ease of access to supermarkets and other shops on the mainland resulƟng in a loss of shops on the island. The relaƟvely elderly populaƟon of the island is reflected in the local economy, as a large proporƟon of residents are reƟred, and the main source of employment relates to health care and social work acƟviƟes18. 16 Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report, North Ayrshire Council, October 2021. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/economic-baseline-cumbraes.pdf 17 Scoƫsh Index of MulƟple DeprivaƟon, Scoƫsh Government, 2020. hƩps://simd.scot/ 18 Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report, North Ayrshire Council, October 2021. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/economic-baseline-cumbraes.pdf
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Page 8 Note: The available data excludes agriculture and the increasing number of people who spend much of their Ɵme working from home on the island. Whilst tourism is not idenƟfied specifically within the available data, the sectors tradiƟonally related to tourism account for 25% of all employment19 and 25% of local GVA20 (Gross Value Added – this is the measure of the value of goods and services produced). However, while good for businesses and for local employment, tourism is not viewed posiƟvely by everyone, as some residents do not see any personal benefit, only inconvenience21. Housing and energy The two main architectural styles in Millport are Georgian and late Victorian. There are 17 listed buildings in Millport; 1 at category ‘A’, 5 at category ‘B’ and 11 at category ‘C’. Much of the town is within the Millport ConservaƟon Area which was established in 1971 in recogniƟon of the quality of the historic townscape and to tackle the loss of 19 Isle of Cumbrae: Local Island Plan, North Ayrshire Council, 2022. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document- library/cumbrae-local-island-plan.pdf 20 Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report, North Ayrshire Council, October 2021. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/economic-baseline-cumbraes.pdf 21 Isle of Cumbrae: Local Island Plan, North Ayrshire Council, 2022. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document- library/cumbrae-local-island-plan.pdf Page 9 architectural detail, insensiƟve alteraƟons and inserƟons, and the use of inappropriate materials22. The age of much of the housing stock means it has relaƟvely poor energy performance compared to more modern buildings. Most of the properƟes have a solid external wall construcƟon, making them prone to damp and difficult to insulate. This can result in high heaƟng bills, and for those on low incomes can make heaƟng their homes to a comfortable level unaffordable. These problems are difficult to treat and are typically not suitable for approaches that might aƩract grant funding or loans, which generally involve insulaƟng the inside or outside of external walls and the installaƟon of heat pumps and solar panels. External insulaƟon would not be permiƩed in the conservaƟon area, and internal insulaƟon is generally disrupƟve and results in the loss of original features that give many properƟes their special character. Without insulated walls, heat pumps become impracƟcal. In addiƟon, North Ayrshire Council made clear in 2024 that they will not support the installaƟon of solar panels on the primary elevaƟons of properƟes in the conservaƟon area. This leaves the community with no pracƟcal soluƟons, despite the designaƟon of the island as part of the Carbon Neutral Islands project, which for the most part has had to focus on non-domesƟc buildings and more modern properƟes outside the conservaƟon area. Research data published by the Scoƫsh Government in 2021 esƟmated the total number of dwellings on Cumbrae was 1,342, of which, 811 were occupied23. It was reported in 2018 that there were 492 second homes on Cumbrae. In the zone covering the centre of Millport, 341 out of 796 homes were second homes. At 42.8%, this is the highest rate for any zone in Scotland24 25. A significant number of these properƟes are short-term lets for visitors. This is perceived by some as reducing the number of homes available for local people, pushing up house prices and private rent charges. However, others feel that second homeowners and visitors staying on the island tend to be relaƟvely affluent and so bring significant revenue. It is also apparent that there is insufficient employment on the island to provide work for a large number of people, and that 22 Millport ConservaƟon Area Appraisal, North Ayrshire Council, 2013. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document- library/millportcaa.pdf 23 Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report, North Ayrshire Council, October 2021. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/economic-baseline-cumbraes.pdf 24 Greens urge acƟon on second homes in Arran and Cumbrae, 2018. hƩps://greens.scot/news/greens-urge-acƟon-on- second-homes-in-arran-and-cumbrae 25 Council to consult with islands over second home council tax. Largs & Millport Weekly News, 22 February 2024. hƩps://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/24135306.council-consult-islands-second-home-council-tax/
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Page 10 many of the properƟes on the island have been converted into small flats that are not suitable for working families. Landscape and habitats The majority of the island outside the town of Millport is agricultural. In addiƟon, there are a number of beaches around the perimeter of the island and a golf course to the west of the town. Two freshwater reservoirs at the centre of the golf course are used for fishing. The enƟre island is designated a Special Landscape Area (the terminology is now changing to Local Landscape Area), and large parts of the coastal fringe are designated Local Nature ConservaƟon Sites, as are Barbay Hill and Ballikillet Woodland at the top of the island. Kames Bay is designated a Site of Special ScienƟfic Interest (SSSI) as it is an historic site for the study of interƟdal marine biology, having contributed more to the understanding of marine biology than any other stretch of beach in Scotland26. BallochmarƟn Bay is also designated an SSSI, as the most varied secƟon of coast on the island, which is important for research and teaching marine biology27. The island is home to extensive wildlife and important habitats. Studies of Minnemoer undertaken as part of, or in response to, the planning applicaƟon for a large solar farm at the top of the island, idenƟfied twenty endangered species of bird on the RSPB red and amber lists28. This included two species (skylark and common linnet) on the priority species list in the North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity AcƟon Plan29, and eight (dunlin, curlew, linnet, lesser redpoll, cuckoo, swiŌ, black-headed gull and northern lapwing) on the Scoƫsh Biodiversity List30. In addiƟon, there were seven Scoƫsh Biodiversity List Priority Habitats including upland heathland and upland flushes, fens and swamps, semi-natural broadleaved woodland and wet woodland31. 26 Kames Bay Site of Special ScienƟfic Interest, Strathclyde Region, Cunninghame District. SSSI CitaƟon 825, NatureScot. hƩps://sitelink.nature.scot/site/825 27 BallochmarƟn Bay Site of Special ScienƟfic Interest, Strathclyde Region Cunninghame District. SSSI CitaƟon 132. NatureScot. hƩps://sitelink.nature.scot/site/132 28 RepresentaƟon regarding planning permission appeal DPEA ref: PPA-310-2039, Cumbrae Community Council, 2023. hƩps://cumbrae.org/assets/files/Cumbrae-CommunityCouncil-representaƟonPPA-310-2039.pdf 29 North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity AcƟon Plan 2019-2031, North Ayrshire Council, 2019. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/approved-lbap.pdf 30 Scoƫsh Biodiversity List, NatureScot, 2020. hƩps://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scoƫsh-biodiversity- strategy-and-cop15/scoƫsh-biodiversity-list 31 Solar Farm, Isle of Cumbrae, Extended VegetaƟon Survey, EnviroCentre Limited, January 2023, ExecuƟve Summary. hƩps://www.eplanning.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/OnlinePlanning/files/945C3E75C0605517719EC8901CC53436/pdf/23_00114_PP- Extended_VegetaƟon_Survey-1127089.pdf Page 11 Despite this, North Ayrshire Council planning officers recommended that the planning commiƩee approve the applicaƟon for the solar farm. The commiƩee unanimously rejected the applicaƟon, but it was nonetheless approved on appeal. It is clear therefore that further protecƟon is needed for Cumbraes’ important landscapes, habitats and species. There are also a number of stands of Japanese knotweed on the shore side of the coast road. This is an invasive non-naƟve species that is damaging to infrastructure and biodiversity, and work is being undertaken to ensure it is eradicated32. 32 Japanese knotweed map, Cumbrae Community Council, 2023. hƩps://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Nvcoe41TMPpHCoi777UonSg8mFQybufH&usp=sharing
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Page 12 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ConsultaƟon process CCC sought the views of the local community to inform development of this Local Place Plan. A brief summary of the consultaƟon process and findings is presented below. A digital survey was launched at the end of March 2024, open for all of April. The survey was promoted through: Announcements at CCC public meeƟngs. A campaign on social media. Posters in shops, on the CCC noƟceboard and on the bus. An arƟcle in the Largs and Millport News. Emails to 300 subscribers to the CCC mailing list. The survey took approximately 20 minutes to complete, and 545 responses were received. In addiƟon, CCC and members of The Cumbrae Forum held drop-in sessions for those who wanted to complete the survey in person on 9 April, 11 April and 13 April, and an open consultaƟon for the whole island was held on 13 April. A stakeholder consultaƟon was held on 19 April with input sought from key island stakeholder groups: Police HM Coastguard Isle of Cumbrae Tourism AssociaƟon (IOCTA) Cumbrae Community Development Company (CCDC) The Cumbrae Forum Millport Motors Millport Golf Club The Cumbrae Primary Field Studies Council (FSC) Ferry Users Group (FUG) Religious organisaƟons on the island Millport Bowling Club Page 13 Millport Town Hall Millport Care Centre The Boys’ Brigade held a stakeholder consultaƟon on 17 April and Cumbrae Primary School held a full school assembly followed by a stakeholder consultaƟon with P4-5 on 29 April. Members of CCC also conducted in-depth 1-2-1 interviews with 7 islanders. A first draŌ of the proposals for this Local Place Plan were shared with North Ayrshire Council in June 2024. A second draŌ was then published in October 2024, and a meeƟng was held with Local Councillors on 4 October. A community consultaƟon meeƟng was held on 5 October. On 10 November 2024 the proposed Local Place Plan was shared with Largs Community Council, Fairlie Community Council and Local Councillors, who were given 28 days to make representaƟons, as required by the Town and Country Planning (Local Place Plans) (Scotland) RegulaƟons 2021.
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Page 14 Summary of the survey findings • In general, respondents felt posiƟve about Cumbrae in relaƟon to safety, community, and views. • Respondents were negaƟve about the ferry service, North Ayrshire Council, business opening hours, some aspects of tourism and the proposed solar farm. • They expressed a desire for improved ameniƟes, fewer cars and motorhomes and a greater proporƟon of people visiƟng the island as foot passengers. Development • 53.3% of respondents did not think development should be allowed beyond the town’s boundaries (30.6% disagreed and 14.1% did not know). • 82.2% did not think development should be allowed on the shore side of the coast road (11.1% disagreed and 6.6% did not know). • 63.8% thought there are other parts of the island that should be protected from development, such as sites where development would spoil the skyline of the island (14.6% disagreed and 21.6% did not know). • 49.2% felt there were parts of the island where new developments could be allowed (27.5% disagreed and 23.3% did not know). SuggesƟons included: o Parts of Ferry Road and Golf Road o Parts of the land behind Bute Terrace o The land between the new houses at Lady Margeret Court, Ballikillet Farm and the hospital o Parts of Kames Street and College Street o Ninian Park o Land between Ravenscraig and the FSC o The former Watersports Centre • 80.1% felt the conservaƟon area should be retained, (8.3 disagreed and 11.6% did not know) but concerns were raised that it is only enforced selecƟvely by North Ayrshire Council. • 63.6% felt that buildings in the conservaƟon area should be allowed to have solar panels on their roofs facing towards the sea (25.2% disagreed and 11.2% did not know). • 46.5% believed the island needs more housing, in parƟcular family homes, affordable housing, social housing and sheltered housing (29.6% disagreed and 23.8% did not know). Page 15 Landscape • 92.7% of respondents thought that views and panoramas on the island are very important or extremely important, and 84.3% thought there are views that should be protected. • 92.7% of respondents felt that monuments such as the crocodile rock, standing stone, Indian rock and lion rock should be protected. Amenity • 75.1% of respondents felt there were parts of the island in need of immediate aƩenƟon, such as; potholes, pavements, some areas of the town and the public toilets. • 58.2% felt there is not enough for young people to do (12.3% disagreed and 29.6% did not know). Young people themselves expressed a desire for informal acƟvity spaces such as a skate park. • 82.2% felt that public bins should include recycling and 75.5% felt there should be a household recycling centre on the island. • 76.7% supported a call for a care home on the island so that elderly people are not forced to leave the island when they need care (the exisƟng Care Centre provides specialist care for adults with extremely complex needs). Transport • 67.6% felt there should be a cycle lane from the FSC to the ferry slip (24.4% disagreed and 8% did not know). • 61.4% felt there is not enough parking on the island (29.5% disagreed and 9.1% did not know). Many respondents thought visitors should be encouraged to come to the island by public transport rather than bringing a car, in order to free up space for residents and those with accessibility needs as well as helping the island meet sustainability targets. • 79% felt there should be a second ferry crossing to the island with enough parking on the mainland to encourage day trippers to come to the island as foot passengers. (12% disagreed and 9% did not know) Energy and infrastructure • 57.1% believed it is extremely important or very important to have a community energy project on the island, owned by the community. However, there were strong calls for this to be in a more sensible locaƟon that the proposed solar farm.
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Page 16 • 51.6% felt there are parƟcular problems with housing on the island, including its age, size and tenure and difficulƟes retrofiƫng properƟes (17.9% disagreed and 30.6% did not know). Business and tourism • 57.9% did not support an increase in the second home council tax, suggesƟng it would kill the economy, second homeowners would leave the island, and local businesses would suffer (28.4% disagreed and 13.8% did not know). • 54.7% felt the island needs more tourism (18.5% disagreed and 26.8% did not know). There was a strong preference for an increase in foot passengers and a reducƟon in vehicular traffic. Respondents also felt the island should be seeking greater economic return from tourism, but with less disrupƟon. • 68% believed the tourism offer could be improved (9% disagreed and 22.9% did not know). Issues raised included; unreliable opening hours, the availability of food in the evenings and the need for wet weather faciliƟes. SuggesƟons for more diverse provisions included more ecological tourism (terrestrial and marine), sailing and other watersports acƟviƟes, arts and craŌs acƟviƟes, enhanced walking and cycling experiences and a marina. • 82.5% said they would support a controlled campsite on the island, for example at the Garrison, or the former Watersports Centre. (10.9% disagreed and 6.6% did not know) • 52.9% felt there should be a business development zone to support the marina (10.3% disagreed and 36.8% did not know). • 44% believed there are iniƟaƟves which could be developed to create more jobs (5.2% disagreed and 50.8% did not know). SuggesƟons included more accommodaƟon for workers, business start-up faciliƟes, business support provision and beƩer promoƟon of business opportuniƟes. PrioriƟes Survey respondents were asked to rank the importance of a range of possible improvements to Cumbrae. The results are set out to the right, with the most important at the top. Page 17
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Page 18 THE PROPOSALS The views of the community have been disƟlled into the following proposals. These proposals will be updated over Ɵme to ensure they conƟnue to properly reflect the views of the community. Note: Where potenƟal development sites are idenƟfied, this plan is not suggesƟng those sites definitely will be developed, it is simply indicaƟng preferred locaƟons for any such developments. Development Proposal 1 Oppose development on the shore side of the coast road and outside the Millport town boundaries, other than on sites idenƟfied in the proposals below. This policy re-states a long-standing principle that has been applied to the consideraƟon of proposed developments. Its purpose is to preserve the compact character of Millport, which creates a focus of acƟviƟes at the south of the island, and to prevent it from sprawling along the coast. This protects the countryside on the rest of the island and preserves important views and habitats from development. Page 19 Proposal 2 Support the development of new housing on sites idenƟfied on the map, in parƟcular sheltered and affordable housing, family homes and a care home. Note The areas marked in orange are suitable for housing only, whereas the areas in magenta might be suitable for either housing or business uses (see also Proposal 3). The majority of the exisƟng housing stock on the island is relaƟvely old, energy inefficient and difficult to heat. It also has access challenges for people with disabiliƟes. In addiƟon, many properƟes have been subdivided into small flats that are unsuitable for families. There is a need for more modern housing, and in parƟcular, accommodaƟon suitable for families and for older people, people with disabiliƟes and people requiring care, so they are not forced to leave the island as their needs change. It is important that any new development is accompanied by suitable infrastructure, in parƟcular sustainable urban drainage soluƟons (SUDS), as the exisƟng drains are already easily overwhelmed, resulƟng in local flooding. See also Proposal 19.
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Page 20 Proposal 3 Support the creaƟon of business development zones on sites idenƟfied on the map and the creaƟon of business start-up faciliƟes and business support provision. Note The areas marked in purple are only suitable for business uses, whereas the areas in magenta might be suitable for housing or business uses (see also Proposal 1). The availability of the internet and the acceptance of working from home by employers means it is easier than ever to work or establish a business on the island. This is an opportunity to change the demographics of the island, to aƩract young families and diversify the economy so it is less reliant on seasonal tourism. The area currently occupied by the huts on the Garrison site would make a parƟcularly good locaƟon for business start-up faciliƟes, and the proposed development of the marina makes the area around the exisƟng pier and harbour an important business opportunity. Page 21 Proposal 4 Retain the conservaƟon area to prevent the loss of architectural detail, insensiƟve alteraƟons and inserƟons and the use of inappropriate materials. It has been suggested that the conservaƟon area should be abolished to make it easier for residents to get permission to install solar panels on the roofs of their homes. Solar panels are currently only a permiƩed development (meaning that planning permission is not required) outside the conservaƟon area, or on the rear of roofs within the conservaƟon area (in Millport the rear of roofs tends to face away from the sun). However, the consultaƟon made clear the community is supporƟve of the conservaƟon area, and feedback noted there could be unintended consequences if it is abolished. Instead, other ways should be found to permit solar panel installaƟons within the conservaƟon area. See also Proposal 5 and Proposal 19.
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Page 22 Proposal 5 Support the installaƟon of solar panels on the primary elevaƟon of domesƟc properƟes within the conservaƟon area. The installaƟon of solar panels on the primary elevaƟon of domesƟc properƟes in the conservaƟon area is not a permiƩed development. A planning applicaƟon is required to seek approval. Cumbrae Community Council, which is a statutory consultee for planning, will support such applicaƟons. See also Proposal 4 and Proposal 19. Page 23 Amenity Proposal 6 Promote the creaƟon of an informal play area for young people on a site idenƟfied on the map. During the consultaƟon process, young people made clear they would welcome an informal play area where unstructured acƟviƟes could take place – with a parƟcular desire for a skate park. Ninian Park, shown on the map above, currently has a small playground at its northern end, but it is largely unused and the whole area is in need of improvement.
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Page 24 Proposal 7 Promote the creaƟon of a household waste recycling centre on a site idenƟfied on the map, and the provision of public recycling bins. At present there is no household waste recycling centre on Cumbrae. This means that those with access to transport have to leave the island and take their waste to the mainland. Those without transport have to pay for an upliŌ from the council. Waste is oŌen leŌ in the street while it is waiƟng to be removed. The site at the top of Woodlands Street (the former gas works), would make a suitable locaƟon for a household waste recycling centre. There is also a need for public recycling bins on the island so that visitors are able to dispose of their waste responsibly. The clothes recycling facility at the end of Marine Parade is regularly overflowing, demonstraƟng demand, and it needs to be complimented by a more extensive and a greater range of recycling capacity. Both these changes would help contribute to Cumbrae’s Net Zero Island project. Page 25 Proposal 8 Encourage expansion of the motorhome site at the Garrison and the creaƟon of formal camp sites with parking and other faciliƟes on sites idenƟfied on the map.
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Page 26 The number of motorhomes parking overnight in laybys and parking spaces around the island has increased dramaƟcally in recent years, parƟcularly since COVID restricƟons limited people’s ability to travel abroad. The numbers are now unsustainable, with no suitable faciliƟes, inadequate bins, and motorhomes parked up in large numbers, prevenƟng other people from accessing beaches. The motorhome site at the Garrison has proved successful and could be expanded. In addiƟon, the field at the back of the Garrison could be used as a motorhome or camping site, as could the former Watersports Centre by the ferry slip. Not only could these sites provide essenƟal faciliƟes, they would also take a number of cars, motorhomes and campervans off the streets, freeing up more parking for others. See also Proposal 16. Proposal 9 Support an increase in the range of shops and food outlets so that residents do not have to leave the island to shop, and visitors have a suitable range of opƟons available. A problem common to many islands is that once people have to go to the mainland to get one thing, they get everything else while they are there. This means that even where items may be available on the island, people oŌen buy them from the mainland. A broader offer on the island would reduce the number of enforced trips to the mainland, benefiƫng the community and local businesses. It would also support a reducƟon in journeys, contribuƟng to the Carbon Neutral Island project. Page 27 Proposal 10 Support improved accessibility, in parƟcular relaƟng to the ferry. Cumbrae has a relaƟvely elderly populaƟon, and so accessibility issues are a parƟcular concern. Problems that people encounter are exacerbated by being on an island, and the need to travel to the mainland for some essenƟal services such as medical care. A number of accessibility issues were raised during the consultaƟon process, in parƟcular relaƟng to the ferry and improvements that could be made to the bus stance, passenger faciliƟes, queuing, the walkway, and the steepness of the slip. Some problems are worse during the summer when there can be large numbers of visitors using the ferry service and long queues. CCC will support the Ferry Users’ Group (FUG) in seeking appropriate improvements. CCC will also champion accessibility issues in its responses to planning applicaƟons and in its discussions with North Ayrshire Council.
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Page 28 Landscape Proposal 11 Protect important views idenƟfied on the map. Page 29 Many people move to the island or visit it because of its views, so it is crucial to residents and to the tourist economy that they are properly protected. This relates both to views of the island and views from the island. There are many well-loved views, too numerous to menƟon, but two stand out: 1. The view from the highest point: The highest point of the island provides a rare 360° view of the Clyde. Its importance to residents and visitors was highlighted by the strong negaƟve reacƟon to the planning applicaƟon for the proposed solar farm on Minnemoer. 2. The hills behind Millport: The Landscape Capacity Assessment published by North Ayrshire Council in 2008 idenƟfied the importance of protecƟng the hills that surround Millport. It stated: “These hills help to enclose the seƩlement of Millport and reinforce the form of the bay itself; providing a background horizon to the landscape seƫng of the town and bay. These areas help to enclose the seƩlement of Millport; providing a disƟncƟve background horizon to the landscape seƫng of the town and development in these remote areas would be highly visible and likely to lead to adverse effects.”
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Page 30 Proposal 12 Ensure designated landscapes and habitats idenƟfied on the map are protected from development and seek addiƟonal protecƟons where appropriate. Page 31 Cumbrae has a many much-loved landscapes that include important habitats and provide homes to species idenƟfied on the Scoƫsh Biodiversity List and in the North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity AcƟon Plan. The whole island is designated a Candidate Local Landscape Area (previously a Special Landscape Area). The areas marked on the map have addiƟonal designaƟons as either Local Nature ConservaƟon Sites, or Sites of Special ScienƟfic Interest and should be protected from development. Despite these designaƟons however, the planning applicaƟon for the solar farm on Minnemoer was approved. CCC will therefore seek measures that give these landscapes addiƟonal protecƟon. Proposal 13 Eradicate invasive non-naƟve species such as Japanese knotweed. Japanese knotweed is present in several locaƟons on the shore side of the coast road. Japanese knotweed is an invasive, non-naƟve species that spreads easily and is difficult to get rid of. It can grow through concrete and poses a risk to wildlife as it reduces biodiversity. CCC has created an online map showing the locaƟons of Japanese knotweed around the island33 and North Ayrshire Council is working with the community to eradicate it. 33 Japanese knotweed map, Cumbrae Community Council, 2023. hƩps://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Nvcoe41TMPpHCoi777UonSg8mFQybufH&usp=sharing
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Page 32 Proposal 14 Protect important monuments idenƟfied on the map and seek legal designaƟons where appropriate. Page 33 Cumbrae is well-known for its famous ‘rock’ monuments that are a feature of any trip around the coast road. There are also a number of less well- known rocks and stones on the island, as well as four memorials. These monuments should be protected so they can be experienced and enjoyed by future generaƟons, and where appropriate legal protecƟons should be sought. Transport Proposal 15 Promote a second ferry crossing. The large number of day tripper visitor cars could be limited by having an appropriate park and sail ferry service, with adequate car parking on the mainland. This could operate from an alternaƟve locaƟon on the mainland away from Largs pier where a parking area could be built, and a passenger only, or limited car and passenger service could operate to a new landing locaƟon on the east of Cumbrae, or to a passenger berth at the new marina. The design for the marina currently includes a berth large enough to accommodate a passenger ferry, and while there are no proposals for such a service at present, the marina is an opportunity to ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place. This could also provide an alternaƟve service for when the exisƟng ferry is inoperaƟve.
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Page 34 Proposal 16 Seek new protecƟons to discourage visitors staying overnight in campervans and motorhomes outside of designated sites. Developing the motorhome site at the Garrison was the first step toward reducing the very high numbers of motorhomes and campervans parking overnight around the island where there are no faciliƟes. The installaƟon of ‘no overnight parking’ signs around the island was the second step. Further measures may be required to relieve pressure on the countryside outside of Millport, where waste, fires, lack of toilet faciliƟes and long-term occupaƟon of a limited number of parking spaces are an increasing problem for the island. See also Proposal 8 Page 35 Proposal 17 Support the creaƟon of a cycle lane from the FSC to the ferry on a route idenƟfied on the map.
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Page 36 Cumbrae is renowned for its cycling, with a relaƟvely flat coast road that is a manageable 10 miles round. With stunning views and countryside, it is one of the main draws for people visiƟng the island. However, cyclists currently share the road with vehicular traffic, parƟcularly between the Field Studies Council (FSC) and the ferry slip. A cycle lane along this stretch of the coast road would improve safety and make the journey more pleasant for cyclists. North Ayrshire Council is currently invesƟgaƟng opƟons for such a cycle lane. Energy and infrastructure Proposal 18 Support the development of a community energy scheme in a suitable locaƟon. While the local community was strongly against the proposals for the solar farm on Minnemoer, this was because of the locaƟon, and the fact that the scheme would not benefit local people, not because of an objecƟon to renewable energy in principle. CCC would support the development of a more appropriate scheme that benefits the community and will support the work of the Carbon Neutral Island project to assess feasible opƟons. Page 37 Proposal 19 Support upgrading the exisƟng housing stock and the development of a pilot project to test the viability of low carbon and energy-saving technologies. Many of the exisƟng buildings on the island are relaƟvely old and are difficult and expensive to heat. They are also generally not able to benefit from schemes that could improve their energy efficiency. They are not suitable for external wall insulaƟon, many owners and occupants are reluctant to face the disrupƟon, cost and loss of features that would be associated with internal wall insulaƟon, and without those, technologies such as heat pumps would not be efficient. In addiƟon, solar panels are not a permiƩed development on the roofs of the primary elevaƟon of properƟes within the conservaƟon area. This leaves the community with very limited available improvements. A pilot project to test alternaƟve technologies that might be suited to the types of property on the island is necessary to find viable soluƟons and help take residents out of fuel poverty. See also: Proposal 5 and Proposal 2
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Page 38 COMBINED MAP Page 39 Habitat to be protected View to be protected Monument to be protected Preferred site for housing Preferred site for business uses Preferred site for housing or business uses Preferred site for camping / motorhomes Preferred site for play area Preferred route for cycle lane Preferred locaƟon for household waste recycling centre
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Page 40 APPENDIX 1: REGARD TO OTHER PLANS In preparing this Local Place Plan, CCC has had regard to: The NaƟonal Planning Framework. The adopted Local Development Plan, LDP2 and the proposed LDP3. The North Coast & Cumbraes Locality Partnership, Locality AcƟon Plan 2023/24. This Local Place Plan is broadly aligned with those plans and the framework. The Local Development Plan might be amended as LDP3 is developed in line with this Local Place Plan and in parƟcular to: Reflect the preferred development sites shown on the map. Strengthen the presumpƟon against development outside the town of Millport, other than sites idenƟfied on the map. IdenƟfy the area around the pier and harbour as a strategic development area in order to provide services for the proposed marina. IdenƟfy Ballikillet Woodland as a Local Nature ConservaƟon Site, as it is on the Review of Local Nature ConservaƟon Sites (LNCS), but not within LDP2. Ref hƩps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d037001e221a4760ab8bcad7a16284ac Page 41 APPENDIX 2: REFERENCES 1. A brief History of Great Cumbrae, Bethany Brooks, Field Studies Council, 2020 hƩps://wildmillporƞsc.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/a-brief-history-of-great- cumbrae/ 2. A review of empty and second homes in Scotland. hƩps://greens.scot/sites/default/files/Empty%20and%20Second%20Homes%2 0report.pdf 3. Agriculture, LULUCF and Waste Sectors Carbon Audit Report, Scoƫsh Government, 2023. hƩps://carbonneutralcumbrae.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/2023/06/Aether_Carbon_Audit_Cumbrae_v2.pdf 4. BallochmarƟn Bay Site of Special ScienƟfic Interest, Strathclyde Region Cunninghame District. SSSI CitaƟon 132. NatureScot. hƩps://sitelink.nature.scot/site/132 5. Carbon Neutral Islands, Cumbrae Renewables Study, Community Energy Scotland. 2024 6. Climate and Coastal Change Assessment, Scoƫsh Government, 2023 hƩps://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=hƩp%3A%2F%2Fcarbonne utralcumbrae.co.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F06%2FGreat- Cumbrae-Climate-Coastal-Change.pptx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK 7. Community Climate AcƟon Plan, Scoƫsh Government, 2023. hƩps://carbonneutralcumbrae.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DIGITAL- Cumbrae-CCAP-Final.pdf 8. Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/asp/2015/6/contents 9. Community planning, Scoƫsh Government. hƩps://www.gov.scot/policies/improving-public-services/community- planning/ 10. Council to consult with islands over second home council tax. Largs & Millport Weekly News, 22 February 2024. hƩps://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/24135306.council-consult- islands-second-home-council-tax/ 11. Cumbrae Community Council, Community ConsultaƟon. 2018 12. Cumbrae Community Development Plan. 2010 13. Cumbrae Net Zero Plan, North Ayrshire Council, 2023. hƩps://drive.google.com/file/d/1I4dSbtPC2v1nurYZd4QxhłWFjkkN9mz/view? pli=1 14. Cumbrae renewable energy opƟons, University of Strathclyde, 2018. hƩps://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/17- 18/cumbrae/Aim%20&%20Methodology.html
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Page 42 15. Cumbrae Report, University of Strathclyde, 2019. hƩps://cumbrae.org/assets/files/University_of_Strathclyde_Cumbrae_Report _2019.pdf 16. Cumbraes, Buteshire, Scotland Genealogy, Family Search. hƩps://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Cumbraes,_Buteshire,_Scotland_Gene alogy 17. Energy and Transport Carbon Audit Report, Scoƫsh Government, 2023. hƩps://carbonneutralcumbrae.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CNI- Energy-and-Transport-Carbon-Audit-Report-Cumbrae-Formal-Issue- 2023.03.14-Rev01-2.pdf 18. Great Cumbrae & LiƩle Cumbrae - DesignaƟons Map, North Ayrshire Council. hƩps://north- ayrshire.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interacƟvelegend/index.html?appid=0 7e3dc213dc046d18a0132fe251286e3 19. Greens urge acƟon on second homes in Arran and Cumbrae, 2018. hƩps://greens.scot/news/greens-urge-acƟon-on-second-homes-in-arran-and- cumbrae 20. Island and parish of Cumbray, 1840, The Rev. James Drummond. hƩps://stataccscot.ed.ac.uk/data/pdfs/account2/StAS.2.5.69.P.Bute.Cumbray. pdf 21. Isle of Cumbrae Economic Baseline Report, North Ayrshire Council, October 2021. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/economic- baseline-cumbraes.pdf 22. Isle of Cumbrae: Local Island Plan, North Ayrshire Council, 2022. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/cumbrae-local-island- plan.pdf 23. Japanese knotweed map, Cumbrae Community Council, 2023. hƩps://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Nvcoe41TMPpHCoi777UonSg8m FQybufH&usp=sharing 24. Kames Bay Site of Special ScienƟfic Interest, Strathclyde Region, Cunninghame District. SSSI CitaƟon 825, NatureScot. hƩps://sitelink.nature.scot/site/825 25. Landscape Capacity Assessment, Arran and Cumbrae, North Ayrshire Council, 2008 26. Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3), North Ayrshire Council. hƩps://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-standards/ldp/ldp3 27. Local Development Plan LDP2, North Ayrshire Council, 2019. hƩps://www.maps.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Sites/LDP2/ 28. Local development planning guidance, Scoƫsh Government, 24 May 2023.hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/local-development-planning- guidance/ 29. Millport & Cumbrae Economic Plan, North Ayrshire Council, 2015. Page 43 30. Millport ConservaƟon Area Appraisal, North Ayrshire Council, 2013. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/millportcaa.pdf 31. Millport ConservaƟon Area Management Plan, North Ayrshire Council, 2013. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/millport-camp.pdf 32. My Millport, North Ayrshire Council, 2023. hƩps://north- ayrshire.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StoryMapCrowdsource/index.html?appid=d88 c79821b164b8993af3c23e1f8d249 33. NaƟonal Islands Plan, Scoƫsh Government, 2019. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/naƟonal-plan-scotlands-islands/ 34. NaƟonal Planning Framework 4, Scoƫsh Government, 2023. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/naƟonal-planning-framework-4/ 35. North Ayrshire Landscape Wind Capacity Study, North Ayrshire Council, 2018. 36. North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity AcƟon Plan 2019-2031, North Ayrshire Council, 2019. hƩps://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document- library/approved-lbap.pdf 37. North Coast & Cumbraes Locality Partnership, Locality AcƟon Plan 2023/24, North Ayrshire Council, 2023. hƩps://northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/2024/02/North-Coast-Locality-AcƟon-Plan-2324.pdf 38. North Coast Locality: Locality Partnership. North Ayrshire Council. hƩps://northayrshire.community/your-community/north-coast- cumbrae/locality-partnership/ 39. North Coast and Cumbraes Locality Place Profile, North Ayrshire Council, 2024. hƩps://storymaps.arcgis.com/collecƟons/c5a871268e03401e86bb6e94d5023 4f3?item=5 40. Our LocaliƟes: North Coast, North Ayrshire Council. hƩps://northayrshire.community/your-community/north-coast-cumbrae/ 41. Planning circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans. Scoƫsh Government. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/circular-1-2022-local-place-plans/ 42. Report on the twelŌh census of Scotland, A vision of Britain through Ɵme. hƩps://www.visionoĩritain.org.uk/census/S1911POP/3 43. RepresentaƟon regarding planning permission appeal DPEA ref: PPA-310-2039, Cumbrae Community Council, 2023. hƩps://cumbrae.org/assets/files/Cumbrae-CommunityCouncil- representaƟonPPA-310-2039.pdf 44. Review of Local Nature ConservaƟon Sites (LNCS), North Ayrshire Council, 2023. hƩps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d037001e221a4760ab8bcad7a16284ac 45. Scotland’s Census 2001, StaƟsƟcs for Inhabited Islands, General Register Office for Scotland, 2003. 46. Scotland's Land InformaƟon Service. hƩps://scotlis.ros.gov.uk/map-search
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Page 44 47. Scoƫsh Biodiversity List, NatureScot, 2020. hƩps://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scoƫsh-biodiversity-strategy- and-cop15/scoƫsh-biodiversity-list 48. Scoƫsh Index of MulƟple DeprivaƟon, Scoƫsh Government, 2020. hƩps://simd.scot/ 49. Scoƫsh Islands Typology: overview 2024, Scoƫsh Government. hƩps://www.gov.scot/publicaƟons/scoƫsh-islands-typology-overview- 2024/pages/7/ 50. Solar Farm, Isle of Cumbrae, Extended VegetaƟon Survey, EnviroCentre Limited, January 2023, ExecuƟve Summary. hƩps://www.eplanning.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/OnlinePlanning/files/945C3E75C0605517719EC8901CC53436/ pdf/23_00114_PP-Extended_VegetaƟon_Survey-1127089.pdf 51. The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, Scoƫsh Government, 2018. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/asp/2018/12/contents 52. The Town and Country Planning (Local Place Plans) (Scotland) RegulaƟons 2021. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/ssi/2021/353/contents/made 53. The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. hƩps://www.legislaƟon.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/8/contents 54. Your Town Audit: Millport, ekos, 2016. hƩps://northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/2016/05/YTA-Millport-Final.pdf Page 45 ABOUT CUMBRAE COMMUNITY COUNCIL Community Councils are the most local Ɵer of statutory representaƟon in Scotland (ie their purpose is set out in law). They bridge the gap between local authoriƟes and local communiƟes. Their main purpose is to represent their local community, gathering community opinion and sharing the views of the community with the local authority and other public bodies. InformaƟon about the daily workings of Cumbrae Community Council, along with further updates to this Local Place Plan can be found at www.cumbrae.org.
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© Crown Copyright and database rights 2024 OS Licence No. AC0000825715. Monument to be protected Preferred route for cycle lane Habitat to be protected Preferred site for Camping/Motorhomes Preferred site for business uses Preferred site for household Waste Recycling Centre Preferred site for housing Preferred site for housing or business uses Preferred site for play area View to be protected Cumbrae Local Place Plan – Proposals Map
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Summary of Local Place Plan Proposals Local Place Plan: Cumbrae Submitted by: Cumbrae Community Council Submission Date: 17 December 2024 Registration Date: Proposals for the development and/or use of specific land and/or buildings: Ref Proposal Location 2 New housing (particularly affordable housing, family housing, sheltered housing) and Care Home a) Kames Street, south-west of The Lady Margaret Hospital b) Ferry Road c) The Hawk’s Nest, Marine Parade 3 Business start-up and support facilities a) Garrison House huts b) The Peir c) Ferry Road d) The Hawk’s Nest, Marine Parade 6 Informal play area Ninian Street 7 Household waste recycling centre (plus provision of public recycling bins) Former Gas Works, Woodland Street 8a Expansion of existing motorhome site Garrison House 8b Formal camping sites Former Watersports Centre 10 Accessibility improvements, including at Ferry Slip Ferry slip, across the island 17 Cycle Lane Field Studies Centre to Ferry Slip 18 Community Energy Scheme Not specified NB: The Local Place Plan also: • Opposes development on the shore-side of the coast road and outside the boundary of Millport (excluding identified sites) (Proposal 1) • Supports the retention of the Conservation Area (Proposal 4) and the installation of solar panels on the primary elevation of domestic properties within it (Proposal 5) • Supports an increase in the range of shops and food outlets (Proposal 9) • Proposes protection of important views (Proposal 11), designated landscape and habitats (Proposal 12) and monuments (Proposal 14) • Proposes the eradication of non-native invasive species (Proposal 13) • Promotes a secondary ferry crossing for foot passengers (Proposal 15)
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• Seeks new protections to discourage visitors staying overnight in campervans and motorhomes outwith designated sites (Proposal 16) • Support improvements to existing housing stock to improve energy efficiency (Proposal 19).