Whitehill Colliery, By Skares, Cumnock - East Ayrshire Council

The proposed rehabilitation of the development site will result inimproved management of existing woodland planting as well asthe provision of significant new woodland areas. The proposalsare therefore consistent with Policy ENV15(v).6. OTHER PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS6.1 None7. FINANCIAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS7.1 There are no financial or legal implications for the Council in thedetermination of this application.8. CONCLUSIONS8.1 In terms of the East Ayrshire Local Plan, Finalised Version, theproposed development is located in the rural protection area and is consistentwith the policy provisions of the East Ayrshire Local Plan, Finalised Version(Policies ENV6 and ENV15(v)).8.2 There are no consultee or other objections to the proposeddevelopment, subject to the incorporation of appropriate conditions regardingdrainage and access arrangements for the site.8.3 While the importation and use of sewage sludge as a growth mediummay be considered contentious, the operation of the site and continued use ofmitigation measures should significantly reduce odour nuisance associatedwith the development. The operations are relatively short term, and the overallenvironmental and landscape benefits which would result from the proposeddevelopment are significant.8.4 The applicant has sought appropriate technical advice from TheScottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive and from East Ayrshire Woodlandwith respect to the rehabilitation of the site. The proposed afteruse of the sitefor amenity woodlands, recreation and wildlife habitat enhancement iswelcomed for this otherwise stark landscape of industrial dereliction.9. RECOMMENDATION9.1 It is recommended that the application be approved subject to theconditions listed on the attached sheet.Alan NeishHead of Planning and Building Control22 November 2000HM/HMFV/DVM