7 - Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-28
North Ayrshire Council · 3 October 2023
Back to Cabinet — 3 October 2023 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 26 September 2023 Cabinet Title: Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 Purpose: To seek approval for the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Recommendation: That Cabinet approves the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028, provided at Appendix One 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The regeneration of vacant and derelict land plays a key role within the priorities of the Council Plan, Community Wealth Building Strategy and Regeneration Delivery Plan. A key objective of these is to utilise land and assets to support wellbeing in local communities. Tackling the significant legacy of vacant and derelict land by working with communities to bring it back into positive use is key to this agenda. 1.2 The proposed North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028, for which this report seeks consideration, examines how vacant and derelict land fits within, and supports the wider context of National and Local priorities and objectives. It also includes a series of actions to promote the positive re-use of sites to address local priorities, support change within communities and ensure our places and economy are vibrant and inclusive. 2. Background 2.1 The Council Plan sets out the Council’s ambitions for North Ayrshire. This includes active, inclusive and resilient communities, the transition to a wellbeing economy delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for local people alongside contributing to tackling climate change. Utilising assets to support wellbeing in local communities by bringing vacant and derelict land back into positive use has a significant role in achieving these priorities and tackling inequalities. 2.2 The Community Wealth Building (CWB) Strategy seeks to develop resilient, inclusive local economies, with more local employment and a larger and more diverse business base. The Land and Assets pillar of CWB recognises that the underutilisation of land and assets represents missed opportunities for towns and communities to achieve their full potential. The Regeneration Delivery Plan sets out priorities for delivering on the regeneration ambitions. It focusses on the delivery of physical regeneration across North Ayrshire through an ambitious project based rolling action programme. It informs
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our priorities for securing and delivering against external funding sources including Scottish and UK Government funds. 2.3 North Ayrshire has 12% of all vacant and derelict land in Scotland, one of the highest proportions of any Scottish Local Authority. Combined, the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Register and Buildings at Risk Register identify over 250 sites, mostly in private ownership, which require redevelopment. These are often subject to a legacy of issues including undermining, contamination, deterioration, or major industrial closures. Whilst there are several reasons for a lack of redevelopment including economic, locational, or physical constraints, a lack of financial viability remains a common theme. 2.4 The current Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy, adopted in 2014, has informed priorities for delivery and the expenditure of the Council’s allocations under the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. Progress has been made towards the re-use of several sites, including steps to regenerate Strategic Development Areas identified in the North Ayrshire Local Development Plan. However, many sites have a substantial negative impact on our communities and represent local priorities for action. 2.5 A refresh of the strategy has provided an opportunity to review the themes, aspirations and challenges of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire. The proposed strategy considers how vacant and derelict land fits within the wider context of national and local priorities and objectives, including Community Wealth Building, the challenge of net zero, and the climate emergency. It also provides a proactive approach to addressing long term sites, tackling the challenges and constraints in relation to encouraging landowner action and undertaking enforcement. 2.6 Development of the strategy has been informed by consultation with stakeholders and local communities. The negative impact of vacant and derelict land and buildings, to the detriment of the environment, economy and community was highlighted through this process. The proposed strategy has also been informed by recent research into the issue of vacant and derelict land. This includes research by the Scottish Land Commission, who have published a series of recommendations. It has also been reviewed by the Economic Policy team to ensure alignment with Community Wealth Building principles. It was also considered by the Policy Advisory Panel on 14 August 2023. 2.7 The proposed strategy includes a series of actions to promote the positive re-use of sites such that: • actions are prioritised towards those sites of greatest impact to communities and support the creation of sustainable places, with the application of transparent assessment criteria; • communities are empowered and supported to tackle vacant and derelict land, on a temporary basis, for example through a temporary ‘stalled spaces’ initiative, or more permanently; • potential end uses for sites are explored, ranging from development opportunities to green space creation; • the Council provides support for the development of vacant and derelict land as far as possible, for example by supporting masterplans or feasibility studies for sites
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which have an uncertain history via the Council’s Repurposing Property Grant Fund; • information on sites is gathered by the Council and, so far as possible, shared amongst concerned parties including affected communities; and • the Council will continue to utilise all available powers and support the development of alternative approaches to achieve the outcomes identified in the strategy. 2.8 If approved, the strategy will inform the expenditure of future allocations under the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and funding applications for example to the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet approves the North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023- 2028, provided at Appendix One. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 aims to support and maximise the impact of the investment being made through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, Council’s Capital Programme and the Strategic Housing Investment Programme (SHIP). It will also inform our priorities for securing and delivering against external funding sources including Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Funding (VDLF), Regeneration Capital Grant Funds (RCGF), Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) and Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP). Human Resources 4.2 The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 will be delivered through existing resources. Legal 4.3 The legal implications of the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 actions will be considered through their development. Legal interventions and agreements will be developed on a project-by-project basis as required with support from Legal Services. Mechanisms such as Compulsory Purchase Orders will be considered on a case-by- case basis, where considered appropriate. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 assists in meeting our socio- economic duty as set out in the Fairer Scotland Duty. It will tackle long-term vacant and derelict land and buildings, thereby reducing their levels and impact on communities. It aims to build community wealth and tackle local deprivation through the regeneration of our communities by maximising the potential of our land and assets and those of anchor institutions. Climate Change and Carbon
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4.5 The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 aligns with our Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy workstreams of: Green Economy; Transport and Travel; Natural Environment; Sustainable Operations; and Carbon Absorption. Key Priorities 4.6 The implementation of the Strategy will contribute to achieving the Council Plan priorities and key activities of: Ensuring our places and spaces where we live, work and visit are well maintained and accessible; Placemaking; Developing infrastructure to support business growth; and Promoting new woodland creation and protecting our green spaces to provide a natural resource for carbon sequestration. Community Wealth Building 4.7 The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023-2028 aims to deliver on the Land and Assets pillar, objectives and associated actions of the Community Wealth Building Strategy. It will support equitable land development and the development of underutilised assets for community use. 5. Consultation 5.1 The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy has been informed by national policy and good practice alongside community and stakeholder consultation. This has included workshops with Elected Members and Council Services and two stages of public consultation including in-person events, online and hard copy questionnaires. The proposed strategy was also considered by the Policy Advisory Panel in August 2023. Russell McCutcheon Executive Director (Place) For further information please contact Claire Fitzsimmons, Interim Senior Manager, Regeneration, on 01294 315305. Background Papers Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy, 2014 Cabinet Report – Vacant and Derelict Land Funding 2021/22, 15 June 2021
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 - 2028 DRAFT
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Contents DRAFT/ August 2023 CONTENTS SUMMARY .................................................................................. 1 Themes and Actions for 2023 - 2028 ............................................. 3 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 5 Purpose ........................................................................................... 5 Definitions ....................................................................................... 6 Why does land become vacant and derelict? ............................... 7 Why vacant and derelict land should be tackled .......................... 8 Vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire ................................. 10 PROGRESS ................................................................................... 12 Lochshore, Kilbirnie ............................................................ 12 i3 Irvine ............................................................................... 13 Ardrossan Coastal Quarter ................................................. 13 Quarry Road, Irvine ............................................................ 14 Annickbank Innovation Campus ......................................... 15 Repurposing Property Grant Fund...................................... 15 Residential Development .................................................... 15 Annual Site Review ............................................................ 15 DEVELOPING THE 2023 – 2028 STRATEGY .......................... 16 The National Policy Context ......................................................... 16 Scottish Government Policy ............................................... 16 The Local Policy Context ............................................................. 17 Listening to local communities and stakeholders ..................... 20 Learning From Others .................................................................. 22 Scottish Land Commission Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce ............................................................................ 22 Architecture and Design Scotland Stalled Spaces Programme ............................................................................................ 22 Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) .................... 23 ACTION PLAN ........................................................................... 24 Principles ...................................................................................... 24 Themes and Actions ..................................................................... 24 Theme 1: Leading by Example ..................................................... 25 Theme 2: Identifying Priorities..................................................... 26 Theme 3: Working with Others ................................................... 27 Theme 4: Supporting Communities............................................ 28 Theme 5: Information Gathering, Monitoring and Reporting .... 29 NEXT STEPS ............................................................................. 30 Delivery of the Action Plan & Progress Monitoring ................... 30 Collaboration ....................................................................... 30 Funding ............................................................................... 30 Future Strategy Review ................................................................ 31 REFERENCES ........................................................................... 32
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 1 DRAFT/ August 2023 SUMMARY North Ayrshire has 12%1 of all vacant and derelict land in Scotland, one of the highest proportions of any Scottish Local Authority. Combined, the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Register and Buildings at Risk Register identify over 250 sites, mostly in private ownership, which require repurposing. These are often subject to a legacy of issues including undermining, contamination, deterioration, or major industrial closures. Whilst there are several reasons for a lack of redevelopment including economic, locational, or physical constraints, a lack of financial viability remains a common theme. Progress has been made towards the re-use of sites, including steps to regenerate Strategic Development Areas identified in the North Ayrshire Local Development Plan. However, many sites have a substantial negative impact on our communities and represent local priorities for action. A refresh of the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy, originally published in 2014, provides an opportunity to review the themes, aspirations and challenges of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire. 1 Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2021 Redevelopment of derelict land at Quarry Road, Irvine.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 2 DRAFT/ August 2023 The 2023-2028 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy considers how vacant and derelict land fits within the wider context of National and Local priorities and objectives, including Community Wealth Building, the challenge of net zero, the climate emergency, and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. Significant research into the issue has been undertaken, in particular by the Scottish Land Commission2, who have published a series of recommendations which have informed this strategy. The 2023-2028 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy has been informed by consultation with stakeholders and local communities, who have highlighted the negative effect of vacant and derelict land on the environment, the economy and community. The 2023-2028 strategy includes a series of actions to promote the positive re-use of sites such that: • Actions are prioritised towards those sites of greatest impact to communities and support the creation of sustainable places, with the application of transparent assessment criteria. • Communities are empowered and supported to tackle vacant and derelict land, on a temporary basis, for example through a ‘stalled spaces’3 initiative, or permanently. 2 In 2018 the Scottish Land Commission and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) established a national Taskforce to address the issue of vacant and derelict land. Further details are available on Scottish Land Commission website. • Potential end uses for sites are explored, ranging from development opportunities, enhancing biodiversity, creating green space and Nature Networks. • The Council provides support for the development of vacant and derelict land as far as possible, for example through simplifications to the planning process or ‘de-risking’ of sites which have an uncertain history, for example through the Council’s Repurposing Property Grant Fund. • Information on sites is gathered by the Council and, so far as possible, shared amongst concerned parties including affected communities. • Where necessary, the Council will continue to utilise appropriate powers where other actions fail. 3 See the Architecture and Design Scotland – Stalled Spaces website. New housing near derelict land near Ardrossan.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 3 DRAFT/ August 2023 Themes and Actions for 2023 - 2028 Theme 1: Leading by Example 1. The Council will continue to promote existing large-scale priorities and development of proposals for Council owned VDL sites. 2. Detailed assessment of remaining Council sites will be undertaken to identify the potential of sites, constraints, and opportunities. Remediation and management plans will be developed for Council sites, including an anticipated timeline for repurposing. 3. The Council recognises the contribution of its vacant and derelict sites to biodiversity and will fully enhance and develop their potential for biodiversity, Nature Networks and green space. Theme 2: Identifying Priorities 4. The preferred or likely end use of VDL sites should be established based on the Local Development Plan (LDP), feasibility studies, or statutory approvals. Sites more suitable for naturalisation, contributing to Nature Networks and open space provision should also be identified. 5. The development of assessment criteria will provide a transparent means of prioritising action and resource for vacant and derelict land. Priorities will be based on a range of criteria, however the reasons for site prioritisation should be clearly defined. Theme 3: Working with Others 6. The Council will continue to develop and implement the Repurposing Property Grant Fund and investigate extending its scope to overcome barriers to bringing sites back to positive uses, subject to available funding. 7. The Council will gather information on land ownership, and proactively engage with landowners to encourage the appropriate management or restoration of sites to positive uses, either permanently or on a temporary basis, and identify the barriers to development. 8. The Council will work with partners in the public sector, for example through the Ayrshire Community Wealth Building Commission, to identify their intentions for the development or re-use of vacant and derelict sites in their control. 9. The Council will prepare masterplans and development briefs for priority sites, subject to funding and where appropriate consider the implementation of Masterplan Consent Areas to simplify the planning processes for appropriate forms of development.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 4 DRAFT/ August 2023 Theme 4: Supporting Communities 10. Subject to the availability of funding, the Council will develop a stalled spaces programme to promote the positive temporary use of vacant and derelict sites and will work with landowners to facilitate access to sites which are safe to contribute to open space provision. 11. The Council will investigate the potential for a visual improvement fund targeted at sites which are in very poor condition, most affecting communities and in prominent locations. 12. The Council will implement a mechanism by which communities can easily highlight sites of concern, put forward suggestions for the use of vacant and derelict sites and comment on development briefs prepared by the Council. 13. The Council will provide support to communities who identify opportunities for the purchase of abandoned land under Part 3A of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Theme 5: Information Gathering, Monitoring and Reporting 14. The Council will continue to implement a programme of site visits to monitor and record the status of all sites on the VDL register, and those known to the Council with areas <0.1ha which are of concern to communities. 15. The Council will maintain digital mapping for vacant and derelict sites and consider how additional information may be included, for example, the planning status of the site. 16. The Council will publish and publicise an annual summary of the status of vacant and derelict land including sites added to or removed from the register.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 5 of 33 DRAFT/ August 2023 INTRODUCTION Purpose North Ayrshire includes one of the highest proportions of all vacant and derelict land of any Scottish Local Authority. In 2021, 213 sites were formally listed as vacant and/ or derelict, with a substantial proportion of the population of North Ayrshire living within 500m of a derelict site. Vacant and derelict land sites which require development are mostly in private ownership. These are subject to a legacy of issues including undermining, contamination, deterioration, or major industrial closures. Whilst there are several reasons for a lack of redevelopment or repurposing including economic, locational, or physical constraints, a lack of financial viability remains a common theme. In recent years progress has been made to restore vacant and derelict land sites back to productive use, and the approach to addressing vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire has been guided by the Council’s Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy which was prepared in 2014. The Council have received allocations of close to £10m from the Scottish Government administered Vacant and Derelict Land Fund since 2016, informed by the 2014 Strategy. The 2023-2028 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy has been prepared to align with current priorities, strategies and plans of the Council. Public consultation, emerging guidance, case studies, examples of ‘best practice’, and success stories within North Ayrshire have informed the refresh of the strategy. The 2023-2028 strategy provides an action plan to reduce the level of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire. Vacant land in Beith used informally as open space.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 6 DRAFT/ August 2023 Definitions Vacant and derelict land have specific definitions in the context of how such sites are recorded by the Scottish Government. The 2021 Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) Survey defines vacant and derelict land (and buildings) as follows: Vacant land is land unused for the purposes for which it is held, and which is viewed as an appropriate site for development. This land must either have had prior development on it or preparatory work must have taken place in anticipation of future development. Derelict land (and buildings) is land which has been so damaged by development, that it is incapable of development for beneficial use without rehabilitation. In addition, the land must currently not be used for the purpose for which it is held or a use acceptable in the local plan. Land also qualifies as derelict if it has an un- remedied previous use which could constrain future development. Sites less than 0.1ha in size are not included on the Scottish VDL register. While the term ‘development’ is often used when referring to positive outcomes for vacant and derelict land, forms of positive change are wide ranging, including naturalisation, enhancements for biodiversity, the creation of Natural Networks and green space. Some sites in Scotland are referred to as DUSTEs, which are: • Derelict – sites with identified barriers to re-use, such as leftover buildings and materials, which are likely to be more challenging to bring back into use than sites that are simply vacant – and therefore in greater need of public support. • Urban Sites – sites located within communities are more likely to be causing harm to people nearby – and therefore of higher priority for action than sites located in the countryside. • Unused since year 2000 or earlier – sites that have been on the Register since at least 2000 can be regarded as ‘stuck’.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 7 DRAFT/ August 2023 Why does land become vacant and derelict? There are often many complex reasons why sites fall vacant or derelict and remain so for an extended period of time. Reasons documented by the Scottish Land Commission4 Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce, and other bodies, include: • Past uses of sites leaving problems such as contamination which are expensive or risky to address for new users. • Sites being poorly connected or badly located for alternative uses. • Difficulty financing risky sites where the level of remedial works is uncertain. • Landowners retaining or purchasing land in the hope that market values may increase. • Buildings becoming unfit for use or uneconomic to maintain. • Surplus land or buildings falling out of use but with no incentives for owners to sell or redevelop sites. • Lack of information on landowners who might be contacted regarding the redevelopment or re-use of sites. Relying on market conditions alone rarely results in more problematic sites, particularly derelict ones, returning to viability. These sites often require public support to return to positive uses. 4 Research undertaken by the Taskforce is available at the Scottish Land Commission website. . Vacant sites are sometimes situated near people’s homes, leaving residents uncertain about its future.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 8 of 33 DRAFT/ August 2023 Why vacant and derelict land should be tackled Work by the Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce highlights the hidden costs of urban dereliction, and how an ‘adverse physical environment’ contributes to Scotland’s problem of excess mortality. Vacant and derelict sites affect people’s feelings about the places in which they live and visit. Abandoned buildings and land, especially in prominent locations such as high streets, give rise to negative perceptions for both residents and visitors. They often give rise to concern about safety, and attract negative behaviours such as vandalism, fly tipping and antisocial behaviour. Some sites present significant physical barriers, cutting off communities or making it difficult to access parts of the countryside or coastline. There is also uncertainty attached to some derelict sites, it being unknown to communities who owns sites or what, if anything, is planned for them. Vacant and Derelict sites in relation to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (2020) North Ayrshire Boundary VDL Sites 2020 SMID Most deprived 10% 2nd most deprived 10% 3rd most deprived 10% 4th most deprived 10% 5th most deprived 10% 5th least deprived 10% 4th least deprived 10% 3rd least deprived 10% 2nd least deprived 10% Least deprived 10%
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 9 DRAFT/ August 2023 Above: The Ardeer Peninsula, once significantly industrialised. Below: The former Ayrshire Central Hospital Maternity Unit. The 2020 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation shows vacant and derelict land sites in North Ayrshire are typically clustered in and around areas of highest deprivation, disproportionately affecting those communities already facing challenges of poor health, low income, crime, lack of housing and poor access to services. Approximately 40% of the population of North Ayrshire live within 500m of a vacant or derelict site. The aspiration is for vacant and derelict sites to be redeveloped to meet the needs of communities, such as for housing, employment, green spaces, community spaces, renewable energy, and places for nature.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 10 DRAFT/ August 2023 Vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire As of January 2023, North Ayrshire had 1,133 hectares of vacant or derelict land across 190 sites. Approximately 85% of sites are located in ‘Three Towns’, Irvine and Kilwinning. There is a further concentration of sites near Kilbirnie. The north and west of North Ayrshire is much less affected by vacant and derelict land. Approximately 95% of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire has been classified as vacant or derelict for 15 years or more. Many sites are in private ownership, or their ownership status is uncertain, while a number of sites are owned by North Ayrshire Council or other public bodies. The distribution and ownership of VDL in North Ayrshire North Ayrshire Boundary 2022 VDL Sites by Ownership Other/ Unknown NAC/ Part NAC Private
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 11 DRAFT/ August 2023 Over 70% of sites are in urban areas, however this only comprises approximately 40% of the land area of vacant and derelict sites, with some of the largest sites such as those at Ardeer, located outside of settlements. Urban sites are concentrated mostly in the ‘Three Towns’ of Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan and of Irvine, Kilwinning and Kilbirnie. VDL in relation to rural and urban areas of North Ayrshire North Ayrshire Boundary 2022 VDL Sites Urban Areas Rural Area
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 12 of 33 DRAFT/ August 2023 PROGRESS In 2013, when the 2014 VDL Strategy was prepared, there were 1,333 hectares of vacant and derelict land spread over 255 sites, compared to 190 sites across 1,133 hectares in 2023. Many of the proposed actions and themes identified in the 2014 Strategy have been progressed, including the undertaking of major regeneration projects to redevelop vacant and derelict sites in North Ayrshire’s Strategic Growth Areas, described below. Lochshore, Kilbirnie Lochshore is the site of the former Glengarnock Steelworks near Kilbirnie and covers around 250 hectares, including Kilbirnie Loch. Formerly under the ownership of Scottish Enterprise, the land is now owned by North Ayrshire Council. The site will benefit from around £1.7m of funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. After much consultation with residents and work with a range of partners, a new £4.2 million Visitor and Community Hub has recently been completed. The project is a key Community Wealth Building initiative for North Ayrshire, aiding the regeneration of the surrounding communities of Kilbirnie, Beith and Dalry, and serving the entire Garnock Valley community. Benefits will include the creation of local supply chain opportunities, the creation of jobs directly for delivery of the masterplan and indirectly through the increased attractiveness of adjacent industrial sites, and skills development through volunteering activities. Increased local investment and visitor spend will present opportunities for local enterprise. A new active travel route connecting the site to Kilbirnie and the NCN7 will be constructed. Further active travel routes, a play area and a 5km leisure route incorporating play and interpretation have been designed. The Garnock Visitor and Community Hub provides improved facilities for the local rugby club in addition to space for sports and other community groups. New Community Hub building at Lochshore.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 13 DRAFT/ August 2023 i3 Irvine Investment at i3, Irvine, will result in the creation of a Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) at i3, Irvine Enterprise Area to provide a Centre of Excellence for digital automation and approximately 8,830 sqm of flexible advanced manufacturing space serving digital process industries. This will build on current Life Science Clustering at the site, and will facilitate R&D activity, start up, spin out, and growth of Life Science businesses and other advanced manufacturing opportunities. New developments at the i3 Irvine Enterprise Area Advanced Manufacturing Space in Irvine will create a National Digital Processing Industry Hub and advanced manufacturing flexible space, serving digital processing industries. The National Digital Processing Industry Hub will be developed at i3 with links to the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland in partnership with Strathclyde University and industry. The project also includes construction of flexible business space capable of meeting the requirements of Chemical and Life Sciences manufacturing, Digital Automation and other advanced manufacturing opportunities. The combined offer at i3, centred round the National Digital Processing Industry Hub, will attract a range of supply chain and digital technology SMEs and start-up and offer strategic capacity to secure major digital process sector investment at i3. The Gateway building at i3, Irvine.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 14 DRAFT/ August 2023 Ardrossan Coastal Quarter The Ardrossan Coastal Quarter is the site of a former oil refinery, but which has lain vacant for 30 – 40 years. Proposals for the site include a new campus for Ardrossan Academy and Winton Primary School, consolidating the schools as part of a Community Campus which will also include an Early Years facility, and re-provide Auchenharvie Leisure Pool and Ardrossan Public Library. The proposals also include sports pitches for school and community use, 130-150 houses both private and social, a coastal path, an International Marine Science and Environment (IMSE) facility, commercial, public spaces and tourism uses. Quarry Road, Irvine Quarry Road is a large regeneration masterplan in the heart of Irvine, which promotes health and wellbeing. The former brownfield site is next to the historic recreation park which was once the home of the Caledonian greyhound race track and has been revitalised with new football pitches and outdoor sport facilities. The building provides high quality office accommodation and is also a landmark - forming a gateway for safe, landscaped routes for pedestrians and cyclists from the town centre to the new leisure development and park. Quarry Road, Irvine.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 15 DRAFT/ August 2023 Annickbank Innovation Campus Annickbank Innovation Campus is an important business location within Irvine’s i3 Enterprise Area providing modern, energy efficient office space targeted at SMEs and life science related sectors. The Council are currently progressing a third phase of energy efficient office development at Annickbank on a site of c.0.13 hectares, classed as vacant and derelict land for over forty years. Recent property market advice has highlighted the lack of modern business properties in North Ayrshire. The proposed building will meet this demand through the provision of a new Class 4/5/6 two-storey office pavilion with 350 sq. m. of flexible modern business space capable of sub-division. The building will be constructed to achieve the enhanced carbon emissions rate set by Section 7: Sustainability of the Scottish Building Standards and include low or zero carbon generating technologies (LZCGT). The aspiration is to achieve Platinum standard which relates to net zero carbon emissions. 5 Vacant and derelict sites can be viewed at the Storymap website. Other actions and initiatives include: Repurposing Property Grant Fund The Repurposing Property Grant Fund has been developed by the Council to support landowners and community groups in bringing smaller sites back to use. Stage 1 of the fund allows property owners or community groups to carry out feasibility studies to identify potential options for the sites and their viability. Future stages of funding are proposed to support the progressing of proposals for sites. Residential Development Significant volumes of housing have been delivered at previously vacant and derelict sites such as Montgomerie Park, Irvine Harbourside, West Byrehill in Kilwinning and Caley Court in Stevenston. Annual Site Review The annual review of sites by NAC officers and the publishing of an online Storymap showing available information on vacant and derelict sites5. The 2023-2028 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy provides an opportunity to develop new themes and actions considering experience gained in managing vacant and derelict land, the Council’s updated priorities, and emerging research and guidance.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 16 DRAFT/ August 2023 DEVELOPING THE 2023 – 2028 STRATEGY The National Policy Context Scottish Government Policy NPF4 Scotland 2045: our Fourth National Planning Framework, NPF4, was adopted and published on 13 February 2023. It sets out the Scottish Ministers’ policies and proposals for the development and use of land and plays a key role in supporting the delivery of Scotland’s national outcomes and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. NPF4 supports collaborative working to improve people’s lives by planning and delivering sustainable, liveable and productive places, recognising that better places will be an important part of achieving net zero in a way which also tackles longstanding challenges and inequalities. Past industrial restructuring has had significant impacts in some places and communities, contributing to concentrations of disadvantage, child poverty, poor health outcomes and derelict land, including within North Ayrshire. NPF4’s national spatial strategy looks to use land wisely, including through a renewed focus on reusing vacant and derelict land to help limit the new land that we build on and to regenerate buildings and sites, thereby transforming places and improving the wellbeing of communities. NPF4 supports development proposals that will result in the sustainable reuse of brownfield land including vacant and derelict land and buildings, whether permanent or temporary. Furthermore, given the need to conserve embodied energy, demolition of existing buildings is to be regarded as the least preferred option. This overall policy approach also seeks to recognise the contribution of brownfield land to nature recovery and realise opportunities for its use as productive greenspace, where appropriate, for example through the Central Scotland Green Network project, which is identified as a National Development. Since 1988, the Scottish Government has undertaken an annual survey of vacant and derelict land. The main purpose of the data collected from local authorities is to provide the evidence base for monitoring the extent and state of urban vacant and derelict land, the remediation of vacant and derelict land and progress in bringing it into re-use, and to inform the programming of rehabilitation, planning, and reuse of urban vacant and derelict site, including in relation to the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy sets out the vision and ambition for Scotland to be ‘nature positive’ by 2023, meaning levels of biodiversity are increasing. The strategy is one of several elements in Scotland’s Biodiversity Delivery Framework, to include a Natural Environment Bill, a delivery plan and investment plan. Local authorities will be subject to binding biodiversity targets, and
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 17 DRAFT/ August 2023 the development of ‘Nature Networks’6 are a means by which these targets will be met. Vacant and derelict sites already contribute to biodiversity and have the potential to be important parts of future Nature Networks, helping achieve the ambitions of the Biodiversity Strategy in North Ayrshire. The Local Policy Context The approach to vacant and derelict land is guided by the priorities and strategies of North Ayrshire Council. Those of most relevance to the future strategy for vacant and derelict sites are highlighted below. The North Ayrshire Council Plan 2019-2024 sets out the Council’s strategic approach which is focused on making North Ayrshire a fairer and more equal society. The Council Plan outlines our Vision, Priorities and Key Measures to achieve a North Ayrshire that is ‘Fair for All’. North Ayrshire Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy7 2020 – 2025 was the first of its kind in Scotland. The mission of Community Wealth Building in North Ayrshire is to support the achievement of the Council’s vision of a North Ayrshire that is ‘Fair for All’ by: 6 A collection of high-quality and well-connected areas that allow wildlife to thrive and cope with climate change, as well as enhancing natural beauty and delivering benefits for people such as flood alleviation (Natural England) ‘Enhancing local wealth and the creation of fair jobs, maximising the potential of all our places through working in partnership with our communities and businesses.’ Land and assets, including vacant and derelict land, are one of the five ‘pillars’ of Community Wealth Building, to be used for the common good to support the regeneration of North Ayrshire’s communities. The Council’s Adopted Local Development Plan (November 2019), commonly known as LDP2, sets out how the Council aims to guide development and investment in the area over a 20-year period. The vision of the LDP is shared with the Community Planning Partnership’s North Ayrshire Partnership Plan (NAPP) and the spatial strategy supports the delivery of the LIOP and North Ayrshire becoming healthier, working, thriving and safer. This land- use strategy directs most development to our towns, villages and developed coastline where there is infrastructure capacity to support it, where there is access to existing services and where there are opportunities to re-use and redevelop brownfield land. The Council has commenced work on preparing a new Local Development Plan which will take account of NPF4. The North Ayrshire Economic Recovery and Renewal Approach (a local ‘Green New Deal’), responding to the Covid 19 health emergency, sets out how the objectives of Community Wealth Building can be delivered through an inclusive and green 7 Information on Community Wealth Building is available on the Scottish Government website.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 18 DRAFT/ August 2023 economic recovery, achieving net zero carbon ambitions in response to the Climate Emergency, through the creation of sustainable infrastructure and regeneration projects, and creating fair jobs. The Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy 2021-23 aims to inspire positive low carbon behaviour, raise awareness of the sustainability and climate change agenda, maximise access to affordable renewable energy technology, support sustainable transport, utilise natural and built assets sustainably, build new assets sustainably in accordance with the Scottish Government’s investment hierarchy, deliver an inclusive and green economy based on the principles of Community Wealth Building and the local ‘Green New Deal’. The North Ayrshire Regeneration Delivery Plan sets out the Council’s priorities for delivering on regeneration ambitions of the Council Plan and Community Wealth Building Strategy. The Plan focuses on the delivery of physical regeneration, informed by stakeholder consultation, reviewing existing community priorities and the outcomes of previous consultations. It aims to address local priorities, support changes within communities and to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive economy. The preparation and implementation of the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy is and action of the Regional Delivery Plan. 8 Further information is available on the Scottish Government Derelict Land Investment Programme website. The Regeneration Delivery Plan informs the Council’s priorities for securing and delivering against external funding sources including Scottish and UK Government funds. Some funding sources relate directly to vacant and derelict land, including the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and the separate Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme8. However, other funding streams applying to urban regeneration, economic development and environmental schemes have, and will continue to, enable change to vacant and derelict sites. The Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy (RES)9 sets out Ayrshire wide themes and desired outcomes relating to work, innovation, enterprise, health and wellbeing, communities, and natural capital, with the overarching vision of ‘building wealth for everyone in Ayrshire'. The RES identifies vacant and derelict land as one of Ayrshire’s most difficult challenges, and its repurposing offers opportunities for meeting desired outcomes set out in the RES. Other strategies of direct relevance to vacant and derelict land include: The Local Biodiversity Action Plan, where the naturalisation of vacant and derelict sites can provide ecosystem services, spaces for nature and quality green space. North Ayrshire’s 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy, outlining the Council’s route map for planting 108,000 trees by 9 The Regional Economic Strategy is available on the North Ayrshire Council website.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 19 DRAFT/ August 2023 2030 required to meet its net zero goal, highlighting the potential for vacant and derelict sites to contribute to this target. The Local Transport Strategy, with vacant or derelict sites potentially providing opportunities for active travel and encouraging more compact forms of development which are less reliant on car ownership. The Local Housing Strategy and Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP), where the reuse of vacant and derelict land can contribute to ensuring there is an adequate supply of land to meet the housing needs of communities in North Ayrshire. Food Growing Strategy, where vacant and derelict sites may provide space for community food growing initiatives and allotments, allowing communities to develop skills and adopt healthy lifestyles. In summary, the appropriate regeneration of North Ayrshire’s vacant and derelict sites is a priority in its own right, but also presents significant opportunities for addressing Council priorities including: • Town centre revitalisation and the creation of ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ • Meeting the climate emergency and challenge of net zero • Economic regeneration and employment • Meeting housing needs • Strengthening communities • Making space for nature Housing on a previously derelict site at North Newmoor, Irvine
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 20 DRAFT/ August 2023 Listening to local communities and stakeholders The 2023-2028 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy has been informed by engagement with stakeholders and communities of North Ayrshire, through online consultation and a series of in person events. Several common themes emerged from the range of responses received. • Many respondents expressed how they would like to see vacant and derelict sites in community use, providing green space, recreation facilities, community gardens, allotments or used for renewable energy projects. • Respondents expressed frustration that owners or purchasers of vacant and derelict sites appeared to be ‘land banking’ sites, with apparently no plans for immediate development. • There was frustration that landowners were able to allow sites to remain or fall into disrepair, blighting the local area and attracting anti-social behaviour. • Respondents often referred to the blighting effects of relatively small sites which have a disproportionate effect on their towns and communities. Some of these sites are not currently included in the register of vacant and derelict sites because of their size. • People expressed concern about the loss of built heritage through buildings falling into disrepair or their demolition through redevelopment. • Respondents commented on the blighting effect of coastal sites, detracting from a key asset of the area, negatively impacting residents and visitors alike. Some large coastal sites in North Ayrshire impede access to the coast.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 21 DRAFT/ August 2023 It was noted how some vacant and derelict sites are of value to communities, as green space or for their wildlife/ biodiversity value. Residents would not want these sites to be developed or made inaccessible. • Many respondents stated how they would like to see the Council intervene more to address vacant and derelict sites, for example through compulsory purchase or other enforcement action. Other issues identified by stakeholders include: • It is often the case that the owners of vacant or derelict sites are unknown, or are otherwise difficult to contact, or unwilling to engage. • The risks associated with some sites, in particular smaller sites, may disincentivise small to medium sized developers and house builders, but may not be of sufficient scale to attract capital investment as part of a wider scale regeneration. • Some sites, for example former industrial sites, are not well situated to fulfil present day social and economic needs, or to contribute to approaches such as ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’. • The Council has limited resources to recover costs associated with making safe or dealing with environmental health matters. The possibility of cost recovery from landowners by the Council may even be a disincentive to sell a vacant or derelict site. • Potential developers of vacant and derelict sites may be uncertain as to the types of development which may be possible or permissible and are therefore unwilling to risk the cost of planning applications and associated studies. • Heritage designations, in particular Listed Building status, can add further complication and cost to the potential developers of derelict buildings. • Enforcement action or acquisition of sites by the Council is restricted and needs specific requirements to be met.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 22 DRAFT/ August 2023 Learning From Others Scottish Land Commission Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce In 2018, the Scottish Land Commission and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) established a national Taskforce, comprising business, public and third sector bodies, to: ‘Transform Scotland’s approach to tackling vacant and derelict land, create the conditions necessary for eradicating persistent dereliction in urban communities and realise the social, economic and environmental benefits of returning unloved derelict urban land back to productive use.’ The Taskforce undertook extensive research into the problems of VDL and has published research into the effect of VDL on communities, the opportunities it provides and case studies into bringing VDL sites back into use. Key issues identified include: • The problem of long-term derelict sites (DUSTEs), with sites brought back into use tending to be smaller and more recently vacated. • The blighting effect of long-term derelict sites on communities, negatively affecting the local environment, economy and social cohesion. • How prominent sites tend to be the most harmful to communities, with effects exacerbated by the clustering of sites. • The need to enable communities to take a lead role in identifying and prioritising locally significant sites for action. • The need to focus efforts where urban dereliction is most heavily concentrated. The outcome of the study is a series of recommendations, sitting within four main themes. • Making better use of data • Aligning policy to support delivery • Aligning strategic funding to support delivery • Stemming the flow of new sites The full recommendations of the Vacant and Derelict Land Task Force are available at www.landcommision.gov.scot.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 23 DRAFT/ August 2023 Architecture and Design Scotland Stalled Spaces Programme In 2014, Architecture and Design Scotland developed the Stalled Spaces initiative to enable communities to transform disused spaces and communicate their aspirations to Local Authorities in their development, while also developing skills and knowledge within communities. While the Stalled Spaces initiative is no longer active, resources and guidance are available10, including the Stalled Spaces Toolkit. The toolkit provides a ‘how to’ guide, providing advice on topics such as forming a constituted group, budgeting, landowner agreements, planning permission, project development and promotion. Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) The CLES was tasked by the Scottish Government to undertake a review of the longstanding problem of vacant and derelict land in the Glasgow City Region. The recommendations of this review, published in 2021, advocate the repurposing of VDL along the lines of Community Wealth Building, including: • Taking a holistic approach to land, which is a shared resource, to which the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement11 should apply. • Broader, long term land stewardship, rather than ownership, should be considered. • The need for work between agencies to catalyse action. 10 Stalled Spaces Scotland | A&DS (ads.org.uk) 11 Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement (www.gov.scot) • Simplifying funding streams. • Tackling sites in areas of greatest deprivation first. • Making all safe sites accessible. • Learning from local exemplars. • Prioritising carbon capture through peatlands, tree planting and rewilding. • Stemming the flow of new VDL. The full recommendations of the CLES report are available on their website12. 12 CLES Report on VDL for the GCR (inclusivegrowth.scot)
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 24 DRAFT/ August 2023 ACTION PLAN Principles The aim of the strategy is to reduce the amount of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire, and the following principles can guide how this change is brought about. While Scottish Government policy prefers to re-use vacant and derelict sites, it should be recognised that some sites, particularly those which are isolated from communities or in more rural locations, may not ever be suitable for development, but could contribute to green networks, places for nature or open space, helping to meet carbon net-zero or biodiversity targets. In response to Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy, the repurposing of sites to create Nature Networks may be the best outcome. The redevelopment of vacant and derelict land should support the creation of sustainable places, for example through the ‘20- minute neighbourhood’ concept. Communities are subject to the adverse effects of vacant and derelict sites. Communities should be supported to improve sites which affect them most, this may be through temporary or permanent uses. Sites should be evaluated to establish which are local priorities to communities, their development potential and barriers to development. Innovative approaches should be supported to help remove barriers to the redevelopment or reuse of sites, helping to de-risk sites. Opportunities to gather information on sites, monitor them and share information should be maximised. Where necessary, the Council will continue to utilise appropriate powers where other actions fail. Themes and Actions Actions for reducing the amount of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire are identified under the following themes. Theme 1: Leading by Example Responsible stewardship of sites in Council ownership. Theme 2: Identifying Priorities. Identifying which sites can contribute most to National and Local priorities. Theme 3: Working with Others. Supporting other owners of VDL sites in putting them to positive use. Theme 4: Supporting Communities. Providing support to communities to improve sites which affect them most, this may be through temporary or permanent uses. Theme 5: Information Gathering, Monitoring and Reporting. Collecting and sharing information about vacant and derelict land.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 25 DRAFT/ August 2023 Theme 1: Leading by Example Whilst there are several reasons for a lack of redevelopment of sites, including economic, locational, or physical constraints, or a lack of financial viability, site ownership can be a barrier to the delivery of the 2023-2028 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy. Therefore, to evidence the potential of vacant and derelict land, the Council will aim to utilise the sites within its ownership as best practice examples for the transformation of Vacant and Derelict Land. 1. The Council will continue to promote existing large-scale priorities and development of proposals for Council owned VDL sites. 2. Detailed assessment of remaining Council sites will be undertaken to identify the potential of sites, constraints, and opportunities. Remediation and management plans will be developed for Council sites, including an anticipated timeline for repurposing. 3. The Council recognises the contribution of its vacant and derelict sites to biodiversity and will fully enhance and develop their potential for biodiversity, Nature Networks and green space. The pilot house at Irvine, within the proposed ‘Maritime Mile’ waterfront regeneration led by North Ayrshire Council.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 26 DRAFT/ August 2023 Theme 2: Identifying Priorities The development of a means by which sites can be prioritised for action based on a range of appropriate criteria would help to: • direct resources to those sites with the greatest need for development and • allow communities to better understand Council priorities for action. Timelines and action plans should be developed according to site prioritisation. Priorities for action will ultimately be informed by an evidence-based judgement informed by a range of criteria, however the reasons for site prioritisation should be defined. 4. The preferred or likely end use of VDL sites should be established based on the Local Development Plan (LDP), feasibility studies, or statutory approvals. Sites more suitable for naturalisation, contributing to Nature Networks and open space provision should also be identified. 5. The development of assessment criteria will provide a transparent means of prioritising action and resource for vacant and derelict land. Priorities will be based on a range of criteria, however the reasons for site prioritisation should be clearly defined. Assessment Criteria Description Prominence Sites in town centres, high streets and urban coastlines should be of higher priority for action. Sites which are more remote or naturalised may be of lower priority. Length of time vacant Sites which have been vacant for 15+ years should be prioritised. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) The location of the site in relation to deprived communities. Sites situated closer to more deprived communities should be of higher priority. Built heritage Sites with locally iconic or architecturally prominent buildings. Site condition Sites in the poorest condition should be of higher priority. Leverage of Funding Sites where funding can be secured through funding streams identified in the Regeneration Delivery Plan should be prioritised. Proposed end use If known, sites which can best contribute to meeting local priorities and known needs should be prioritised for action. Community feedback Sites which have been specifically identified by communities as an area of concern should be prioritised.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 27 DRAFT/ August 2023 Theme 3: Working with Others Addressing vacant and derelict land will require collaboration between various parties including landowners and partners in the public and private sectors. Potential site developers would benefit from the de-risking of sites, and greater certainty as to end uses which could receive support from the Council. 6. The Council will continue to develop and implement the Repurposing Property Grant Fund and investigate extending its scope to overcome barriers to bringing sites back to positive uses, subject to available funding. 7. The Council will gather information on land ownership, and proactively engage with landowners to encourage the appropriate management or restoration of sites to positive uses, either permanently or on a temporary basis, and identify the barriers to development. 8. The Council will work with partners in the public sector, for example through the Ayrshire Community Wealth Building Commission, to identify their intentions for the development or re-use of vacant and derelict sites in their control. 9. The Council will prepare masterplans and development briefs for priority sites, subject to funding and where appropriate consider the implementation of Masterplan Consent Areas to simplify the planning processes for appropriate forms of development. The site of the former Ayrshire Central Hospital Maternity Unit.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 28 DRAFT/ August 2023 Theme 4: Supporting Communities Communities should be supported to use a vacant or derelict site on a temporary or permanent basis. 10. Subject to the availability of funding, the Council will develop a stalled spaces programme to promote the positive temporary use of vacant and derelict sites and will work with landowners to facilitate access to sites which are safe to contribute to open space provision. 11. The Council will investigate the potential for a visual improvement fund targeted at sites which are in very poor condition, most affecting communities and in prominent locations. 12. The Council will implement a mechanism by which communities can easily highlight sites of concern, put forward suggestions for the use of vacant and derelict sites and comment on development briefs prepared by the Council. 13. The Council will provide support to communities who identify opportunities for the purchase of abandoned land under Part 3A of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 29 DRAFT/ August 2023 Theme 5: Information Gathering, Monitoring and Reporting The best use should be made of available information, including the sharing of information ensuring relevant and accessible information is available. 14. The Council will continue to implement a programme of site visits to monitor and record the status of all sites on the VDL register, and those known to the Council with areas <0.1ha which are of concern to communities. 15. The Council will maintain digital mapping for vacant and derelict sites and consider how additional information may be included, for example, the planning status of the site. 16. The Council will publish and publicise an annual summary of the status of vacant and derelict land including sites added to or removed from the register.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 30 DRAFT/ August 2023 NEXT STEPS Delivery of the Action Plan & Progress Monitoring Collaboration Delivery of the Action Plan will require partnership between communities and public sector bodies, with the Council playing a key leadership role. Plans for the delivery of actions identified in this strategy will be developed, and progress will be monitored on a regular basis. Funding The North Ayrshire Regeneration Delivery Plan (RDP) sets out the Council’s priorities for delivering on regeneration ambitions of the Council Plan and Community Wealth Building Strategy. The Plan focuses on the delivery of physical regeneration, informed by stakeholder consultation, reviewing existing community priorities and the outcomes of previous consultations, it aims to address local priorities, support changes within communities and to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive economy. The RDP informs the Council’s priorities for securing and delivering against external funding sources including Scottish and UK Government funds. Some funding sources relate directly to vacant and derelict land, including the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and the separate Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. However, other funding streams applying to urban regeneration, economic development and environmental schemes have, and will continue to, enable change to vacant and derelict sites. I3, Irvine
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 31 DRAFT/ August 2023 The Council will continue to investigate and pursue funding opportunities to support the delivery of this strategy through the RDP process. Future Strategy Review The repurposing of existing vacant and derelict sites will in many cases be a long-term process, potentially many years. As existing sites leave the VDL register, it is likely that others will join, and the composition and characteristics of VDL will change over time. With improved environmental protections, and a less industrialised economy, it can be expected that in the future there will be fewer sites with the legacy of contamination seen at old former industrial sites. Vacant and derelict sites may, on average, become smaller and increasingly in private hands. This more dispersed pattern of smaller sites will present different challenges to those which are larger, more consolidated and in public ownership. The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy should therefore be reviewed and refreshed after a period of 5 years to reflect the changing priorities of the Council, new legislation, and the changing composition of the stock of vacant and derelict land.
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North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2023 – 2028 Page 32 DRAFT/ August 2023 REFERENCES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Scottish Planning Policy Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) website National Planning Framework (NPF3) NPF3 website Draft National Planning Framework (NPF4) NPF4 website Scottish Government Infrastructure Investment Plan website Scottish Government Community Wealth Building website Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey – Site Register Scottish Government Vacant and Derelict Land Scottish Government Guidance Notes website The Scottish Government Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme website Scottish Government Community Right to Buy Abandoned, Neglected or Detrimental Land website Community Ownership Support Service Development Trusts Association Scotland website Scottish Government Building a Wellbeing Economy website Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SMID) 2020 website Scottish Government Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement website Scottish Government Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 LOCAL PLANNING POLICY AND STRATEGY North Ayrshire 2019 Local Development Plan North Ayrshire Community Wealth Building North Ayrshire Regeneration Delivery Plan North Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy 2014 North Ayrshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy North Ayrshire 20 Minute Neighbourhoods North Ayrshire Plans Strategies and Policies website SCOTTISH LAND COMMISSION Scottish Land Commission Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL BODIES Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) website CLES report on Vacant and Derelict Land in the Glasgow City Region (CLES, 2021) Architecture and Design Scotland – Stalled Spaces Toolkit Central Scotland Green Network website OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES Renfrewshire Council’s Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2020