Fairlie Local Place Plan
North Ayrshire Council · 27 August 2025
Back to Planning Committee — 27 August 2025 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 27 August 2025 Planning Committee Title: Fairlie Local Place Plan Purpose: To advise Members on the preparation and submission of a Local Place Plan by Fairlie Community Council. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Planning Committee: 1) agrees to the registration of the Local Place Plan for Fairlie submitted by Fairlie 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 Fairlie Community Council submitted a Local Place Plan to the Council on 4 April 2025. Fairlie Community Council meets the definition of a ‘community body’ and it is considered that it has complied with 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 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. Local Place Plans are part of the Scottish Government’s wider work on planning reform and implementation of the 2019 Act, including steps to reduce conflict, improve community engagement and build public trust in planning matters. They offer the opportunity for a community-led, collaborative approach to creating great local places. It is vital that local people can
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engage meaningfully and have a positive influence in the future planning of development in their areas. The aim of LPPs is to significantly enhance engagement in development planning, effectively empowering communities to play a proactive role in defining the future of their places. 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 Fairlie Community Council notified the Planning Service in May 2023 of their intention to submit a Local Place Plan for the area. Support was provided by the Planning Service throughout the preparation of the plan, where requested. Fairlie Community Council submitted a Local Place Plan for Fairlie to the Council on 4 April 2025. Fairlie Local Place Plan Proposals 2.4 A copy of the submitted Local Place Plan for Fairlie submitted by the community council is provided at Appendix 1. It is not the role of the planning authority at this point 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. A summary of the proposals are as follows: • Conversion/redevelopment of former Fairlie Primary School site for use as a village hub, flats or new housing. • Car park extension at the railway sidings at Fairlie Railway Station. • A new community hall/hub (with three potential locations given) • A bypass east of Fairlie, from Hunterston Parc roundabout. • Upgrading of the Semple Centre. • A community orchard at Semple Crescent. • A footpath link at Craig Hill Place connecting Castle Park Drive. • Enhancement of multi-use path and land north of the bowling club/west. • Prohibit industrial development within the Clyde Muirsheil Regional Park and the Kelburn Estate. • Prohibit any development at Underbank Wood. • Prohibit a change of use of the Village Inn, Bay Street. • Creation of exhibition space. • Floor risk mitigation on Irvine Road, foot of Jetty Road, Barkers Lane and Burnfoot Road footbridge. • Retention of public access to coastline/waterway at Hunterston Parc. • Preservation of woodland within village centre. • Increase of social and recreational opportunities consisting at the community garden and Fairlie Beach car park. Registration
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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 Fairlie Community Council to clarify that the submitted LPP meets the requirements of a valid Local Place Plan. It is adjudged that the Local Place Plan for Fairlie, submitted by Fairlie 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 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, for Stevenston, submitted by Stevenston Community Council in June 2024, for Largs submitted by Largs Community Council and Cumbrae, submitted by Cumbrae Community Council, in January 2025. 2.9 In addition to Fairlie, and those previously approved by Planning Committee, Skelmorlie Environment Trust has indicated an interest in preparing a Local Place Plan. Furthermore, following on from ‘Place Framework’ pilots, the Regeneration team are currently supporting community bodies in the Garnock Valley to jointly prepare a Local Place Plan. 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. This includes providing flexibility around the deadline for submitting a Local Place Plan. 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 considered in the preparation of North Ayrshire’s third local development plan. 3. Proposals
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3.1 It is recommended that the Planning Committee agrees to the registration of a Local Place Plan for Fairlie submitted by Fairlie 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 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
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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 A statement was provided on 11 May 2025 that Fairlie Community Association, Marine Craft Services, Fairlie Bowling Club, Fairlie Quay and the Community Garden were approached by Fairlie Community Council for their input into the proposed plan. Following the draft, a copy was delivered to every business and resident within the Fairlie Community Council Area. As longtime residents, regularly dealing with Planning Applications amongst other issues, the Community Council consider they have a good idea of villagers’ concerns. 5.3 The Local Place Plan includes a list of acknowledgements from numerous local community groups as well as individuals. DAVID W. HAMMOND Executive Director (Communities and Housing) For further information please contact Alistair Gemmell, Strategic Planning Manager, on 01294 324021. Background Papers 0
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1 2025
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2 with foreword and a brief history prepared by Fairlie Community Council F airlie has an almost unique location, with direct access to the sea, hills, glens and moorland. It is a rare gem on the West Coast of North Ayrshire. This Local Place Plan sets out our community's aspirations for planning policy and land use within the Fairlie Community Council Area, that will help maintain Fairlie`s unique natural setting, improve amenity for residents and sustain the current local employment. Fairlie is classed as a rural, coastal settlement. WHAT MAKES FAIRLIE SPECIAL? 3 HISTORY 4 THE PLANNING SYSTEM & LOCAL PLACE PLAN 7 VILLAGE PROFILE & ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS 8 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES 10 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS 12 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATIONS & CONSERVATION EFFORTS 13 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES & REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS 14 LIST OF PROPOSALS 15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 16
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3 F airlie has an almost unique location on the Clyde Coast. Very few villages or towns in the area have the benefit afforded to Fairlie. Fairlie has immediate access to the natural shoreline and to the sheltered waters of the Firth of Clyde. A new coastal path provides the opportunity to walk or cycle right next to the shoreline and sea. There is complete separation from the main traffic route of the A78 trunk road. The foreshore offers views to the islands of Arran, Little Cumbrae, Great Cumbrae and Bute, and to the scenic Kyles of Bute and the Cowal Peninsula. The shoreline is a haven for wildlife The sand flats, exposed at low tide, provide opportunities to see a wide variety of resident and migratory birds such as various types of gull, oystercatchers, redshanks, greenshanks, curlews, herons, godwits, turnstones, widgeon, eider ducks, mergansers and the occasional egret. In the shallow pools, it is possible to find a whole variety of interesting intertidal species. Fairlie also has direct access to the unspoiled hills and moors of its hinterland lying to the east. Access to these extensive moors and hills can be had via the glens and open land which rise directly from the village. The hills and moors, like the foreshore, are a haven for wildlife. They are also composed, in part, of a large and very significant quantity of peatland which plays a vital role in carbon sequestration. Walking in these hills and moors offers spectacular uninterrupted views over the Clyde Estuary and beyond, to the Kintyre Peninsula and Paps of Jura. These unique characteristics, which combine direct access to the sea and hills, offer both residents and visitors a special link with nature, a rare prize which is worthy of being cherished and protected for future generations.
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4 T he earliest indication of human habitation in the area around Fairlie is provided by the existence of a small standing stone and some cup and ring markings, both of which are to be found close to Diamond Hill, just behind the current village. At a later date, the Sempill family built a chapel dedicated to Saint Innan and the adjoining castle also became known as Saint Innan then, later, as Southannan. It is said that Mary Queen of Scots, on the night of 31st July 1563, stayed at Southannan on one of her tours of Scotland. By the mid 1600`s three areas of housing had been set up by the ordinary people of Fairlie, South Row which would become a centre for weaving, Middle Row with fishermen's cottages and a small stone pier, and North Row where varied craftsmen lived. The arrival of a proper turnpike road along the coast, towards the end of the 18th Century, brought more people to Fairlie, and saw the establishment of the world famous Fife Yacht Design and Building Company. This was probably the first example of industrial activity coming to the village. Skilled workers were required for the design and construction activities. Sheds and launching facilities were built on the beach at Bay Street. The Company would continue for nearly 200 years and would produce many of the most well known yachts in the world. The sheltered waters off Fairlie were extensively used by ships awaiting passage further up the Clyde estuary and the anchorage area became known on historical charts as the `Fairlie Road`. The 19th Century saw many fine holiday villas being built in the village for the prosperous Glasgow business people. Hugh Lyon Tennant, one of the earliest photographers in Scotland and part of the famous brewing family, spent much of his time in Fairlie. He took many interesting photographs of Fairlie, its people and buildings. Tennant was a member of the Edinburgh Calotype Club which was the first photographic club in the world. These suggest that people have been in the area for about 3,500 years. Sometime later, people who had discovered how to make and use bronze metal were shown to be in the same area, by the discovery of a bronze dagger, which was buried in an urn with some human cremated remains. The Romans may have used the sheltered water off Fairlie on the journey to build their fortlet behind Largs, at Outerwards. The documented history of settlement and land ownership around Fairlie, really starts in the time of King Robert the Bruce. The three main landowning families all had connections to the Anglo Norman knight Hugh de Morville, who had been Constable of Scotland. All three families built Tower Houses and two still exist as Kelburn Castle (the de Boyvilles) and Fairlie Castle (the de Ross or Fairlie family).
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5 The wealthy residents were influential in raising funds for two churches in the village, as well as the school and village hall. The fact that the village had two churches was a result of the `Disruption`and the support of some new residents. The arrival of the railway from Glasgow was a major influence on the village. Initially, it had been intended that the railway would continue onto Largs, but, opposition from the landowner meant that the line terminated at the old Fairlie Pier, which was accessed via the opening of the rail tunnel. This created a link, from the industrial heart of the West of Scotland, to the scenic Clyde coast for holiday visitors. The original wooden Fairlie Pier provided access to the Clyde Steamers, which used the pier to link with many other piers in the Clyde Estuary, such as Millport on Cumbrae and Kilchattan Bay on Bute. Later, a service to Campbelltown was introduced. The old pier continued to provide a sheltered location for ferry service to Arran.The dispute over the railway connection to Largs was finally resolved and the line was extended. During World War II, Fairlie played an important role in the effort to defeat the German U boat threat. It became the secret site for the Anti Submarine Experimental Establishment, which was moved from the south coast of England to escape the risk of bombing. This activity, at Fairlie, remained secret for many years, even after the war ended. In 1957, Fairlie saw the start of construction of the nearby Hunterston A nuclear generating station. It was commissioned in 1964, stopped generation in 1990 and is currently decommissioning. In the 1960s, the Fairlie Nato Boom Defence Depot was constructed at the north end of the village with a new pier and large storage facilities. It is now Fairlie Quay with 80 people employed in various activities there. In 1967, construction of Hunterston B nuclear generating station began. It was commissioned in 1976/77 and ceased generation in 2022. It is now fuel free and will start decommissioning in 2026. Decommissioning will continue under the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority with the continued need to maintain a large skilled workforce. The biggest change to the nature of Fairlie, and its surroundings, came in the 1970s with the construction of the Hunterston Ore Terminal. This huge project, which was built to provide an iron ore importation facility, for the Scottish steel industry, and with the capability of handling the largest bulk carriers, had a massive impact on the village. A large area of the foreshore to the south of Fairlie was reclaimed and a huge jetty, extending 1.5km from the shore with a jetty head of 443, effectively closed off the open aspect to the south. The jetty had an overhead conveyor system and the jetty head housed two enormous unloader gantry cranes and a large onloader system for transhipment. Iron ore was transferred by conveyor to the enormous stockyard area and could then be moved, again by conveyor, to a rail loading station situated to the east of the A78. A direct reduction plant was built on site, but never used.
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6 The need for a rail link to the direct reduction plant, resulted in the creation of the major landscaping, `The Mound`, at the north of the whole site. With the closure of the Ravenscraig Steel Works in 1992, the need for iron ore importation ceased. The Hunterston Terminal then started importing coal for Logannet, in Fife, and for other UK coal- fired stations. With the decline, then closure, of UK coal-fired stations, all the bulk handling facilities fell out of use in 2016. The Hunterston Terminal site was cleared in 2019, with the base structure of the jetty remaining. The cessation of the industrial activities of bulk offloading and transfer, brought 24 hour a day, 365 days a year operation with the detrimental impact on the village of noise, dust and fumes, and stray lighting to an end. This was, probably, the greatest change the village had experienced in its history. A key principle of the future Place Plan for Fairlie should be to ensure that any proposals for the Hunterston Site, should not result in any negative effects similar to those described above.
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7 THE PLANNING SYSTEM ... ... is used to decide whether proposed developments should be permitted. Responsibility for planning generally lies with the local planning authorities. Community Councils are statutory consultees with regard to planning. Fairlie Community Council is a statutory consultee for any planning in its area. It is plan led. Plans set out how places will change, where development should or should not take place and which places should be protected. Plans guide decisions on applications for planning. THE TOWN AND COUNTRY (SCOTLAND) ACT ... ... prescribes four different levels of plan. The National Planning Framework NPF based on Scottish Ministers policies and proposals. Regional Spatial Strategies RSS a single or multiple local planning authorities working together. Local Development Plans LDP a local authority plan showing where development should or should not happen. Local Place Plans LPP are Community led plans. LOCAL PLACE PLANS ... ... should be should be short, clear and visual, setting out proposals and priorities. These should reference other local, national or regional plans which may be relevant. They must have regard to other plans, such as the Local Development Plan (LDP) and National Planning Framework.(NPF). The Local Place Plan (LPP) must set out in a statement any reasons for considering that the LDP should be amended. This LPP has been prepared in advance of North Ayrshire Council`s (NAC) LDP3, so it can influence the development of LDP3. THE FAIRLIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA ... ... is part of the broader North Coast and Cumbraes Locality Area, one of five Locality Planning Areas within the North Ayrshire Local Authority Area. THE NORTH COAST AND CUMBRAES LOCALITY AREA ... ... stretches from Ardrossan Montfode Roundabout in the south to, and including Skelmorlie in the north. Inland, it encompasses extensive hills and moorland, including a section of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. The Locality also extends westward into the Firth of Clyde incorporating the Isle of Cumbrae and Little Cumbrae. Hunterston Parc located south of Fairlie and owned by Peel Ports, is a significant industrial site within the locality. The area consists of two principal components, the former iron ore and coal stockyard and the former Hunterston Construction Yard. Additionally the Peel Ports main Jetty, measuring 440m in length is situated approximately 900m west of Fairlie. The two decommissioning nuclear power stations lie due south west of Fairlie.
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8 The village maintains a high level of residential amenity, being relatively quiet during the day and very peaceful at night. The A78 trunk road which passes through the settlement can be busy and noisy. In wet weather It is prone to flooding along parts of its length as well as in other parts of the village. There’s a need for watercourses to be maintained and drainage improved along the A78. Where large diameter under road pipework carries burn water to the Clyde, regular inspection and clearing of silt and debris should be done. Old drains in other parts of the village need inspection and clearing or renewal. Play areas are available at various locations within the village, while open countryside to the north east and east remains, at present, largely unaffected by industrial development The Fairlie Community would like these recreational and natural spaces preserved and, where feasible, enhanced. The village is characterised by diverse natural features, including two glens - Fairlie Glen and Southannan Glen. A single track path runs alongside the Keppen Burn past the local petrol station, providing access to Kelburn Estate. This route includes Ladies Walk, which leads to Fairlie Castle and Fairlie Glen. F airlie is a coastal rural village with an estimated population of approximately 1,576 residents. Its backdrop of hills includes the iconic Kaim Hill at 387m.
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9 During adverse weather conditions the A78, at the petrol station is prone to flooding due to overflow from the Keppen Burn. Other areas are also prone to flooding. Fairlie Community advocates that no more building should take place there until new drainage is available and further consideration is given to the aesthetics of the area. Part of the Fairlie coastline from Hunterston peninsula to approximately 100m north of the Main Hunterston Jetty is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has been divided by industrial developments into Hunterston Sands, Southannan Sands and Fairlie Sands. It sustains dwarf eelgrass and is a haven for wading and wintering birds. The Community feels that the SSSI should be fully protected from further degradation from industrial development, pollution or excessive dredging and scouring of the seabed. Fairlie offers a variety of coastal and countryside environments, including beaches, access to the sea and unspoiled open spaces. The village is regarded as a safe and welcoming community, with a strong sense of belonging and a favourable environment for families and children.
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10 The area also accommodates Marine Craft Services, Fairlie Furniture, Fins Restaurant, Biglees Quarry and Fairlie Quay, which attracts visitors arriving by boat and yacht . Fairlie Quay also accommodates nine smaller businesses employing almost 80 people. Super yachts and working vessels use the quay and its services. There is a diving school. The largest brownfield site is Hunterston Parc owned by Peel Ports. Its area spans the coastline from immediately south of the village, to the nuclear power stations which are no no longer generating, but still employ over 500 skilled workers. There is also an oyster farm on the intertidal area near the main jetty. Kelburn Castle and Estate is a tourist attraction hosting annual events. It has stables and is an important leisure and amenity asset for locals and visitors. Clyde and Garnock Valley Crematorium is also within the FCC Area. Public transport links include a bus service and a railway station. The railway station area is maintained by local volunteers, who enhance its aesthetic appeal with floral tub displays. The recent completion of a coastal path for pedestrians and cyclists has significantly improved accessibility and safety in certain parts of the village, diverting pedestrians away from the narrowest and most hazardous section of the A78 was completed. A volunteer group ensures the path is kept cleared of storm debris. The Community would like to see sensitive completion of the cycle path between Bay Street and Fairlie Bowling Club. Lack of parking is a problem in parts of the village. There is limited parking on most of the A78 trunk road through the village, with a small car park just north of the junction of School Brae and lay-bys to the south of the junction. The Village Hall and the Semple Centre are both alongside the A78 and have none. Solutions involving removal of soil etc and constructing a layby for the hall have been explored and found to be complicated and not financially viable. T he village benefits from several key community assets, including a church, a primary school, a community garden, a bowling club and a Village Inn. Additionally local businesses and services include a petrol station, two takeaway establishments, Michelle`s and Grill`d, a plumbing service, a hairdresser and Station Pets which has pet supplies, a pet self wash facility and an accessible defibrillator. The church also has a defibrillator.
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11 The Village Hall and Library are well used, but have their limitations due to position on A78 and lack of connectivity to broadband, a temperamental heating system and lack of adequate electrical supply when multiple demands are made of it. The Community would like these resolved. Ultimately, a new Community Centre with parking and up to date services, would be welcomed. The Causeway with flats and houses has limited spaces for parking. If any land becomes available in the immediate area we would like to see it allocated for car parking to alleviate the parking problem. Keppenburn Avenue needs a solution to its parking problem. Emergency vehicles cannot easily access it at night, due to cars parked on both sides of the Avenue. The Community would l want either only disabled parking on the east side and normal parking on the west, or that the pavement on the west is marked to allow partial parking. This would mean that emergency vehicles would have room to access the length of Keppenburn Avenue which is not a through road. There are car parks at each end of the village. The south car park offers views of the hills and waterway. It has picnic tables. The coastal path runs beside it. The public toilet there was removed. The car park at Pier Road has potential for development of facilities, such as a much needed public toilet. Hookups for camper vans would benefit visitors. A shed for the local rowing club and locals would be well received. The kickabout areas behind Keppenburn Avenue and south of Semple Crescent are used by children in those areas. The Community would wish these kept as such with any practicable improvements at both. At Semple Crescent the ground should be kept for games with a community orchard planted.
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12 However, many of the proposed development plans for Hunterston Parc and also Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park are not conducive to achieving this goal, as they primarily focus on industrial activities that will negatively impact the local environment . The community strongly advocates for more environmentally sustainable developments , including eco-friendly initiatives and tourism-oriented projects, rather than heavy industrial developments with high pollution potential. Hunterston Parc is owned by Peel Ports, a private company, which is also the Port Authority for the Clyde. Hunterston Parc is our closest “neighbour” in the south. Hunterston was designated a Strategic Asset by the Scottish Government in National Planning Framework 4. This means that we have little, to no say, in what happens on our “doorstep”. Those with a duty of care to the public and environment can only be as good as Regulations allow them to be. Regulations regarding noise have failed to keep up with the times. Our Community believes that if potentially damaging industrial development is to take place so close to our unique village and its people then, adequate regulations safeguarding public safety, health and wellbeing should be effective with regular independent monitoring of noise and pollution. From past experience we believe that we have been let down. Guidelines are only that and can be ignored. We would like to see a local environmental monitoring station as part any development at Hunterston Parc, Hunterston Nuclear or in the Clyde Muirshiel Park. T he principal objective of Fairlie Community Council is to safeguard the existing amenities, liveability, and environmental sustainability of the village and its surroundings.
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13 “Coastal Protection” Preservation of the coastal fringe from Portencross to Skelmorlie and the Cumbraes. “Upland Conservation” the uplands and moorlands of the North Coast represent 70% of the mainland`s carbon rich soil, playing a critical role in mitigating climate change. “Landscape Protection” The area above Fairlie has been identified as part of a “Special Landscape Wind Capacity Study” underscoring its ecological and aesthetic significance. 1 “Site of Special Scientific Interest” (SSSI) Hunterston Sands, Southannan Sands and Fairlie Sands are designated a SSSI due to their ecological importance, featuring species such as dwarf eelgrass and native oysters. It is home to wading and wintering bird species as well as subsand species 2 Protect the natural borders of the cycle path between Largs marina and the Fairlie B o w l i n g b y prohibiting ribbon development along it and maintaining the “bee Corridor” by cutting back at non flowering times. 3 Protect the attractive trees and shrubbery for flora and fauna by making permission for felling/ clearing etc a necessity. K ey environmental objectives and protected areas within the locality include:
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14 THE VILLAGE HALL AND LIBRARY are well used, however, the building is on the busy main road (A78) with no available parking. The electricity supply is insufficient to enable heating, ighting and additional outlets being used simultaneously. The gas central heating is currently not functioning. It has no broadband available. THE VILLAGE INN is a hub for the community. It is welcoming, serving food and beverages daily and hosting various community events including the Whisky Club, the choir etc. The community want this hub maintained as such. THE SWING PARKS, PLAY AND KICKABOUT AREAS Two swing parks are still maintained by North Ayrshire Council. These are at Castlepark Drive and Kelburn Avenue. There are two kickabout areas, one near Southannan and the other behind Keppenburn Avenue, These are maintained at a basic level by NAC. The community would like these kept as green recreation areas with part of the Southannan field planted as a community orchard. The play area at Pier Road had its swings removed and is maintained by the Community Garden volunteers. The broader area there has potential to be further developed for the amenity and enjoyment of residents and visitors. Public toilet, charging points, shed for rowing club and other aqua activities. TENNIS COURTS AT CASTLEPARK Fairlie Sports Club is responsible for maintaining these as NAC no longer does this. One court is totally out of action as it has been left to deteriorate and it is now a pine forest nursery. The all weather court is used but also in need of maintenance. T he village has a number of recreational facilities.
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15 1. The Old B listed Fairlie Primary School should again be considered for development to preserve and make use of as a village hub, conversion to flats or for demolition and new housing. 2. Southannan Abbey`s boggy wooded area needs protection from any development. It hosts various fungi and offers a secluded habitat for insect and bird life. It should not be developed. It enhances the area around the Southannan Abbey ruins. 3. Part of the old sidings at Fairlie Railway station could be developed for more car parking, however, it is also important to keep some of it naturally wild to support habitats. 4. Keppenburn Avenue needs to have a suitable parking solution that allows emergency vehicles unhindered access. The road is difficult to access particularly at night when people are at home. This might involve making partial pavement parking allowable on the west side of the road. 5. The cycle path between the Bowling Club and the north end of Bay Street should be sensitively completed. 6. The Village Hall needs better electrical and heating supplies to allow more events to comfortably take place. It would benefit from having broadband installed. Ideally, a new Community Hall, with all mod cons and parking, would be welcomed. The derelict land behind the petrol station might be a suitable location as would the area north of the bowling club, which already has planning permission for a restaurant and plant nursery. The preferred position would be at the Fairlie Pier car park near the community garden area. It has access to the beach. 7. If all the industrial developments planned for Hunterston materialise, the only solution to the ensuing traffic problem through Fairlie would be a bypass. A new bypass line should be investigated and put in place. Original planned access from the Hunterston Parc roundabout should be maintained, unless a better environmental option is found. 8. The Village Inn is an important village hub. The wish is that it keeps functioning as such. We would prefer it to have no change of use. 9. The Semple Centre needs upgrading. It has no allocated parking. It is run by a trust and options should be further discussed. 10. The kickabout area at Southannan should not be developed , but left as a recreational area with a community orchard planted. 11. A safe footpath, away from the A78, between the houses at the north end of the |village Keppenburn Avenue, Kelburn Avenue and Baillie Road to the Primary School via Craighill should be developed. 12. The area at Pier Road could accommodate a new Community Hall and Hub for meetings, storage of kayaks and use of village aqua clubs, with a shower, sauna and public toilet facilities. The play area is looked after by the Community Garden members. It already has parking. 13. The last phase of the Dawn Homes development is on hold. The proposed pedestrian and emergency access from its southern end is essential to allow residents on foot to easily access Fairlie Station. A footpath should be temporarily located across the redundant plot in anticipation of it being permanently installed. 14. There should be no ribbon development on the west of the A78 between the new development north of Fairlie Bowling Club and the Largs Marina. This should be kept as greenfield with the multi-use path and the “bee corridor” safeguarded from too much cutting back during the flowering season. This is currently adhered to. A few benches, suitably placed, should be located along the footpath which is much used by all age groups. 15. Noise from future construction work, industrial developments and activities at Hunterston Parc has the potential to seriously impact the health and wellbeing of the inhabitants and the amenity of the area. Permanent, independent and effective monitoring of noise, including Infrasound Low frequency Noise should be implemented before any work commences. New Regulations regarding Noise/ ILFN are needed urgently to facilitate adequate monitoring and protection of human and animal health 16. The Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park should be protected from any further industrial developments to safeguard its important and original aims. The Landscape Wind Capacity Study 2018 remains valid and should be valued in order to support an area of outstanding scenic beauty. 17. There should be no industrial developments on the Kelburn Estate unless practical, rural and sensitive to the landscape, amenity and habitats of the area. 18. There should be a building or part of an existing or new building earmarked to accommodate artefacts etc pertaining to the history of Fairlie and its surrounds, including the story of Fife shipbuilding. 19. Flooding, at the petrol station and on the narrowest stretch of the A78 as well as at the foot of Jetty Road, Bakers Lane and the footbridge on Burnfoot Road should be investigated with new and effective drainage installed. 20. The coastline and waterway accessible to the public should not be further limited by fencing off due to Peel Ports developments and activities.. There is already planning permission for a major expansion of its port facilities at the Marine Construction Yard. We do not want to lose access to any more of our coastline and waterway. 21. The woodland at the centre of the village alongside the A78 should be preserved as it is attractive and accommodates flora and wildlife habitats. 22. The Community Garden is a vital part of the village. It offers a welcoming haven, away from the hustle and bustle, which is well used. We would wish to see it, as well as the adjacent Pier Road area sensitively added to, in a way that creates even more social and recreational opportunities for locals.
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16 2025 Thank you to the following whose support made this report possible... Fairlie Bowling Club, CFL Parish Church, Fairlie Community Garden, Fairlie Community Trust, Fairlie Quay and Dive Centre, Station Pets, Maritime Craft Services, Chris Cowpe, Caroline Briggs, Nikki Kuyt, Hugh Maclean, John Riddell, Jackie Pearson, Nancy MacQueen, Jane Holmes, Maureen Loose, David Nairn, Linda Hepburn, Anne Bannatyne, Julie Connelly, Lindsay Teale, Peter (Dive Centre),Tom at Fins, Brian and Debbie at Village Inn, Alistair Gemmil at NAC and Scott McGregor at LPC Design + Print.
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Summary of Local Place Plan Proposals Local Place Plan: Fairlie Submitted by: Fairlie Community Council Submission Date: 4 April 2025 Registration Date: Proposals for the development and/or use of specific land and/or buildings: Ref Proposal Location 1 Conversion/redevelopment of former school/school site as village hub, flats or new housing Former Fairlie Primary School, School Brae 2 No development Underbank Wood, Southannan 3 Car park extension Railway sidings, Fairlie Railway station 5 Cycle path Bowling Club to Bay Street 6 New Community Hall/Hub a) Land to rear of petrol station, Kelburn Avenue b) Land to north of bowling club c) Fairlie Beach car park, Pier Road (preferred) 7 Bypass East of Fairlie, from Hunterston Parc roundabout 8 No change of use The Village Inn, Bay Street 9 Upgrade Semple Centre, Main Road 10 No development, community orchard Kickabout area, Semple Crescent 11 Footpath link Keppenburn Avenue/Kelburn Avenue/Baillie Road to Primary School via Craig Hill 12 See 6c Fairlie Pier car park 13 Footpath link Craig Hill Place to Castlepark Drive 14 No ribbon development, enhancement of multi-use path Land north of bowling club/west of A78 16 No industrial development Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park 17 No industrial development Kelburn Estate 18 Exhibition space Not specified 19 Flood risk mitigation Irvine Road at petrol station, foot of Jetty Road, Bakers Lane and Burnfoot Road footbridge 20 Retain public access to coastline/waterway Hunterston Parc 21 Preservation of woodland Village centre, alongside A78 22 Increase social and recreational opportunities Community Garden and Fairlie Beach car park, Pier Road
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1 6 6 2 21 21 21 10 14 3 512 8 9 7 11 13 22 20 © Crown Copyright and database rights 2024 OS Licence No. AC0000825715.Produced by Planning Services Key Community Facilities Community Gardens Retain Access to Coastline Semple Centre Village Inn Parking Cycle Path Safe footpath away from A78 to Fairlie Primary School Temporary footpath Bypass Kelburn Estate Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Greenbelt Zone Habitat Protection Potential Village Hall site Protect Open Space Protect Woodland Village Hub/Housing Fairlie Local Place Plan Inset 1 - Proposals Map Inset 1 Local Place Plan Area Map