7. DirApp - FINAL - Community Asset Transfer - Bowencraig Playing Fields cabinet report plus appendix - 27.11.25.docx
North Ayrshire Council · 2 December 2025
Back to Cabinet — 2 December 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 2 December 2025 Cabinet Title: Community Asset Transfer – Bowencraig Playing Fields Purpose: To seek approval for the transfer of ownership of Bowencraig Playing Fields, Irvine Road Largs. Recommendation: That Cabinet: a) Agrees to the asset transfer of Bowencraig Playing Fields, Largs from North Ayrshire Council to Largs Colts Community Football Club; b) Approves the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at 5% of the property valuation of £16,000 (totalling £800); and c) Authorises officers to conclude the associated legal and community asset transfer processes for Bowencraig Playing Fields. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The report proposes the community asset transfer of Bowencraig Playing Fields, Irvine Road, Largs from North Ayrshire Council to Largs Colts Community Football Club. 1.2 The transfer of the land will provide a sustainable base for local community activity focusing on football and physical activity. The proposed uses include a range of events and activities which contribute to the Club’s key objectives. 1.3 This report recommends that Cabinet agrees to the transfer of Bowencraig Playing Fields with an associated 5% of the valuation costs of £16,000 (£800 in total) applied. This reflects the original condition of the facility, the Club’s investment to date, savings made against recent and future upkeep and the potential social return on investment. The report also recommends that officers should be authorised to conclude the process under these terms. 2. Background 2.1 Under the terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, community asset transfer provides an opportunity for people to be involved in developing and providing opportunities or services for their local communities. It may also allow
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groups to develop commercial ventures, which will support community benefit. Asset transfer may also mean that public assets get used more frequently and more effectively. Furthermore, community-led ownership may allow additional opportunities for groups to secure extra funding or resources. 2.2 Bowencraig Playing Fields lie at the south end of Largs on the main access road of the A78 (see plan at Appendix 1). The transfer will provide a sustainable base for local youth football provision. Until October 2020, the asset was leased to KA Leisure who relinquished the lease in order that Largs Colts Community Football Club could take over the facility under a Temporary Occupation License. The asset is not required for service delivery by the Council or KA Leisure. 2.3 The proposed uses include a range of events and activities which contribute to the Club’s key objectives: “To promote the participation and enjoyment in organised football for boys and girls, irrespective of cultural background, in a safe environment that offers a sense of security and encourages competitive participation, personal development, fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect for others, self-discipline, personal responsibility and acceptance of rules and decisions.” 2.4 Largs Colts Community Football Club (Largs Colts) has been successfully running the club in the heart of the local community since 1975 and play a key role in the local community. Having their own ground will allow them to further develop in a variety of ways to better serve the community. These include: • opportunity to care for and enhance the facility in order to improve the quality of playing experience, allowing the club to expand, grow and nurture talent in the local community • Increase membership, thus widening their involvement with the local community • encouraging more children and families the opportunity to be involved with the club’s activities and engage in a fun and healthy lifestyle through playing football 2.5 Sport is a major contributing factor in bringing communities together. A sports club is a focal point where children can attend clubs, parents can interact, local people can meet with each other. People feel safer, valued and part of the community where there are clubs, activities, and facilities. The ownership of the asset will further support Largs Colts to contribute towards this community cohesion that they have been part of for almost 50 years. 2.6 Largs Colts have been operating and caring for the asset since October 2020 under a Temporary Occupational License and have proven their ability in this regard. The pitch condition has improved and the use has increased. Largs Colts are requesting the current area they occupy in order that they can carry on delivering a programme of improvements as they simultaneously deliver an increasing range of opportunities within the community. 2.7 Having ownership, enhancing the assets and increasing the range of events and activities within an improved facility will encourage a wider range of people to get involved. Participants will benefit from being more physically active and engaged in sport. This will support several strategic and policy areas relating to physical activity, diet and healthy weight, as well as positive mental health and wellbeing. Opportunities for local volunteering will increase, stimulating involvement in shaping and regenerating community life, building self-esteem and confidence.
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2.8 The ownership will have wider community benefit as the care and maintenance of the asset will be carried out by local businesses, contributing to the local economy and supporting the principals of Community Wealth Building. 2.9 The request includes the existing pitches and surrounding grass area and the current pavilion that lies on the east side of the pitch. (see blue hatched area and area bounded red on the attached plan at Appendix 1). 2.10 Although Largs Colts will have full ownership of the playing fields, they will remain open and accessible to the public. 2.11 The statutory community consultation has taken place with no objections received. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet: a) Agrees to the asset transfer of Bowencraig Playing Fields, Largs from North Ayrshire Council to Largs Colts Community Football Club; b) Approves the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at 5% of the property valuation of £16,000 totalling £800); and c) Authorises officers to conclude the associated legal and community asset transfer processes for Bowencraig Playing Fields. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 Through the transfer of the assets, the Council will achieve an overall capital receipt of £800 and be relieved in perpetuity of any ongoing care and maintenance costs. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 places a statutory obligation on the Council to obtain the best price or the best rent when it disposes of any asset by sale or lease. These regulations permit a disposal at less than the best price achievable where either (a) the property is valued at less than £10,000, or (b) the Council has compared the financial cost of transfer against the community benefits and determined that the transfer is reasonable and promotes either economic development or regeneration, health, social well-being or environmental well-being. Legal Services propose that the transfer is subject to a clawback standard security and associated minute of agreement being entered in to between the parties. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 Title burdens have been identified associated with this asset. These will be reflected in the process of the handover to ensure they are upheld by Largs Colts
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Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The transfer seeks to provide sustainable community facilities through securing the open space in Largs for recreational purposes. Key Priorities 4.6 The proposals contained within the report support the following North Ayrshire Council Plan priorities: • Active and strong communities • Inclusive, growing and enterprising local economy • People enjoy good life-long health and wellbeing. Community Wealth Building 4.7 This proposal supports the following pillars of community wealth building: • Advancing community enterprises; • Advancing local ownership of underused land and buildings; and • Supporting local business activities and increasing the variety of ownership models. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 None. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 The activities of Largs Colts support the Rights of the Child through allowing children and young people access to opportunities to relax and play (Article 31). Consumer Duty 4.10 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 The consultation required in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 for a community asset transfer application has now concluded. The outcome is outlined in section 2.10. 5.2 Consultation has taken place with, Streetscene, Finance, Estates, Property Maintenance and Investment, and Legal Services. All parties are supportive of the proposal for the asset. David W. Hammond Executive Director (Communities and Housing)
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For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on Insert author’s phone number. Background Papers Appendix 1
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Mean High Water Springs FBFB FB Bowen Craig W alk SP 14 PENCIL VIEW SL 9 Coalpit Burn 1 7 15 16 Spreads Issues Shelter Slipway 5.0m IRVINE ROAD Path Path Rock and Sand Sand and Shingle Far Bowen Craigs Survey: Scale: Project: Title: Filename: Drawing No: Checked: Drawn: Date: 1:1250 AC 26/05/2025 2025-05-26 - Bowen Craig.dwg Land at Bowen Craig OS Grid Reference: NS209576 Type: Lease Rev. Sheet Size A3 DescriptionRev DateDrawn Chkd. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright and database rights 2025 Ordnance Survey 100023393 WARNING: Paper copies distort. Always check scalebar before measuring. AC North Ayrshire Council Comhairle Siorrachd Air a Tuath Lease Largs KA29 0BD Laurence Cree - Head of Sustainability, (e) landandproperty@north-ayrshire.gov.uk CUNNINGHAME HOUSE , IRVINE , KA12 8EE Property Management & Investment - Estates Transport & Corporate Property