Calls to save former East Ayrshire colliery reclaimed by nature
Redevelopment plans for an Eco-Therapy and Wellness Park have been resubmitted for the area
Environmental groups in East Ayrshire have been left disappointed after redrafted plans have been submitted for a development at the Barony Colliery.
The original plans for the site were rejected at a Planning Committee hearing in February, over concerns regarding the ecology and potential problems with the ground’s stability to support the development.
The land has been reclaimed by grasslands and woodlands, forming what is referred to as ‘Open Mosaic Habitat on Previously Developed Land’, and is home to several types of local wildlife, including Bee Orchid, Redstart birds and the Dingy Skipper butterfly.
This latest proposal would see 200 lodges, communal social and private function buildings, a spa, pool and gym facilities, which wildlife experts say does little to address their concerns.
"It is disappointing to see"
Scotland manager at Buglife Scotland, Andrew Ramsey, said: “It is disappointing to see these proposals come forward again, without addressing our fundamental concerns.
“Barony Colliery is home to important populations of invertebrates and should be protected, not subjected to constant development threats.
“We cannot meet our ambitious 30 x 30 targets if we do not protect what we already have.”
The 30 x 30 targets are set by the Scottish Government, and aims to protect 30% of the land and sea by 2030, for nature recovery.
Head of Policy at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Bruce Wilson, said: “We are in the midst of a nature and climate crisis and the Scottish Government has a very ambitious, but necessary, target of reversing declines in biodiversity by 2030.
Biodiversity targets
“Building on our best remaining wildlife sites is completely incompatible with this target.
“The applicant’s own surveys show how important the Barony Colliery is for local wildlife, but what they are suggesting would leave the site degraded and our local wildlife poorer.”
Developer National Pride UK says they “take their responsibilities towards ecology and the environment very seriously.”
A spokesperson said: “Our professional Consultants also share our aim to proactively enhance the bio-diversity of the site, laying the foundations for future natural ecology growth.
“We welcome the response from NatureScot, Scotland’s Nature Agency, that if the site is permitted to continue to develop into woodland over time, then grassland habitats critical for many of the rare and notable insect and plant species would be lost to scrub encroachment.
"Ecology at the very centre"
“And that our proposals could go ahead provided that the finalised plans adhere strictly to the mitigation recommendations included within the various documents, notably the Ecological Appraisal, the Invertebrate Report and the Ecology and Biodiversity Report of September 2023.
“Our aim from the very outset has been to put ecology at the very centre of the development.
“We do understand and appreciate concerns raised on the site’s ecology and we always invite those who are apprehensive to speak directly with us in order to be aware of our plans.”