Holiday park plans are knocked back after ex Chamber chief objects
PLANS for a new holiday park and motorhome near Annbank have been knocked back by councillors.
The application for the development of eight holiday lodges, reception building and 20 motorhome pitches off the B744 two miles outside the village was rejected by South Ayrshire Council’s regulatory panel last week.
It was one of two similar applications, both of which had been recommended for refusal by planning officers.
An application for a holiday park at Culzean Bay was approved, despite attracting around 90 objections.
The Annbank application had actually received more representations of support (12) than objections (11).
But councillors chose to uphold the recommendation to refuse the development, which was to have been situated at Belston Holdings, two miles west of Annbank and 1.5 miles from the Holmston roundabout on the A77.
The park would have featured two and three bedroom lodges, with raised decking and, for the three bedroomed units, a hot tub.
Objections included claims it would be contrary to planning policy, would impact on landscape, exacerbate flooding, created noise, odour and light pollution.
Another key issue was the ‘isolation’ of the site and lack of connectivity to any nearby amenities.
Planners stated that the absence of pathways would restrict those wishing to walk in the area, with visitors forced out onto the B744, a road which has no footpaths.
A related issue was raised about the lack of public transport connections, with the nearest bus stop on the A70, again requiring pedestrians to walk along the B744.
Patricia Kennedy, a former president of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, lives adjacent to the site and told the panel: “I am opposed to this development. It is visible from my home, which I treasure. The change to commercial use is not in keeping with the area.
“The impact on the landscape, both in terms of natural landscape and cultural heritage of the area is negative. There would be noise and light pollution.
“I look down the hill from my window and I think ‘oh dear, what is this going to look like when this development has taken place?’.
“Use of agricultural land for temporary caravan sites is the equivalent of AirBnBs in the country and I don’t think there is any way to disguise the fact that, just because it is temporary, it is not going to bring significant disruption.
“I am also very concerned about safety. Not a season goes by there are not cars in the ditch at the bottom of the hill.”
Supporters said it would provide a quieter choice for visitors, is a small family business and would be good for the local economy.
Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application.