Green Belt Update of the South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan

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Contents

1. Introduction

2. Green belt update method

3. History and original justification for green belt designation

4. Evaluation of existing green belt against Scottish Planning Policy and the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan

5. Purpose of the South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan green belt update

6. Establishment of green belt evaluation framework

7. Green belt evaluation

8. Conclusion

South Ayrshire Council Greenbelt Update

1 Introduction

1.1 This report represents the findings of South Ayrshire Council’s green belt update which was undertaken to: I. ensure that South Ayrshire’s green belt was consistent with the purposes and objectives of green belts as set out in Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (AJSP); and II. inform the content of the South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan (SAPLDP).

2. Green Belt Update method

2.1 This section of the report describes the method and approach used to conduct an update of South Ayrshire’s green belt. It is considered that the methodology outlined below provides a sound basis for updating the green belt.

2.2 The need for consistency of approach is crucial, and the methodology requires to be robust and consistent with the purposes of a green belt as set out in SPP and the adopted AJSP.

2.3 While there are no common methodologies set out in SPP or the AJSP, the approach adopted is one to establish a framework which can be applied consistently using, as far as possible, data already held. While different methodologies can be equally valid and rigorous, the methodology adopted involves five areas of work being undertaken to ensure a consistent and robust green belt update. These areas of work are:

• History and original justification for green belt designation • Evaluation of existing South Ayrshire green belt against SPP & AJSP • Definition of green belt purpose • Establishment of green belt assessment framework • Assessment of existing green belt and update

3. History and original justification for green belt designation

3.1 There has been a statutory green belt around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon since 1965. Initially, the green belt was designated around Prestwick Airport for the following purposes:

a) to preserve the amenity of the airport b) for public safety; and c) to ensure new housing areas would not be subject to excessive aircraft noise. 3.2 The green belt was identified in the adopted (1985) North Kyle Local Plan, the adopted 1990 East Kyle Local Plan, the adopted 1989 Ayr/Prestwick Local Plan and the adopted 2007 South Ayrshire Local Plan.

3.3 Over time there have been periodic changes to the boundary of the green belt. The 1990 Strathclyde Structure Plan Update concluded that the appropriateness of the green belt in Ayrshire had altered. The changes in circumstance comprised of the following;

a) the apparent closure of the second runway at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and the then perceived diminished role of the airport. b) More limited areas of land around Ayr are defined as prime quality agricultural land, which should be protected c) Areas around the green belt, including the southern fringes of Ayr had been subject to development pressure, and such areas are environmentally sensitive.

3.4 The 1990 structure plan update, concluded that the countryside adjoining the green belt was assuming wider green belt functions and, accordingly redefined the purposes for the greenbelt around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon as; a) maintaining the identity of Prestwick and Troon and preventing their coalescence, b) maintaining the landscape setting of the towns and villages of North Kyle and Carrick District c) providing recreational opportunities d) protecting good quality agricultural land.

3.5 The context for doing this was provided by the now superseded Circular 24/1985 ‘Development in the countryside and Green Belts”, which stated that

“Structure Plan should describe the strategic context and general location of green belts and set out the development control policies which apply to them. Local Plans should define the precise boundaries of any green belt within the area covered by the plan” 3.6 Within the context of Circular 24/85, the former Kyle and Carrick District Council prepared and published a review of the green belt, entitled ‘Prestwick Airport Greenbelt 1990 Review’. The review sought to identify the precise boundaries of the green belt to meet with the purposes identified in para.2.4 above. However, this review was subsequently not taken forward into statutory defined boundaries, which Circular 24/5 required to be identified through local plans. The Consultative Draft South Ayrshire Local Plan was the first local plan to define the boundaries of the greenbelt to meet altered objectives and functions, wider than those of the, then, current Prestwick Airport Greenbelt.

3.7 The policies and principles relating to the green belt around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon were further updated in the Strathclyde Structure Plan 1995. In setting out objectives for the green belt, further objectives were added, including controlling the growth of built up areas, assisting with the process of urban renewal and preserving landscape character.

3.8 The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan was approved by the Scottish Ministers in January 2000, and superseded the Strathclyde Structure Plan 1995, as the structure plan for South Ayrshire.

3.9 The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan further recognised that the greenbelt around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon had shifted from protective measures for the airport to more recognisable protection for landscape amenity and the prevention of neighbouring towns from merging. The 2000 structure plan defined the purposes of the green belt around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon as being;

a) control the growth of the built up areas and complement the process of urban renewal; b) prevent neighbouring towns from merging; c) preserve the character of towns including their landscape setting; d) protect agricultural land from development and create stability for its productive use; e) preserve landscape character and provide the necessary stability for its enhancement and f) provide for the enjoyment of the countryside.

3.10 Further, the 2000 Structure Plan accepted there was pressure on the countryside around the Ayr, Prestwick and Troon area of a different magnitude to elsewhere in Ayrshire, and so considered that greenbelt protection was warranted. The Strategic Development Guidelines were particularly onerous and stated a presumption against development, unless specific criteria were met, while the Strategic Development Guidelines for the other countryside areas - Rural Protection Area and Rural Diversification Area - were less onerous and allowed for a range of development types.

3.11 The extent of the green belt was indicated in the 2000 Structure Plan Key Diagram by arrows that spread east and south wards from Ayr, east and north from Prestwick and east from Troon.

3.12 The Consultative Draft South Ayrshire Local Plan was published for comment in September 1999. In taking into account the principles and objectives provided by the then approved structure plan; the Strathclyde Structure Plan and the emerging Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan, a fundamental review of the current green belt was undertaken. Regard was also given to the greenbelt principles set out in the now superseded Circular 24/85.

3.13 The extent of the area surveyed for inclusion in the proposed greenbelt was limited to the area indicated by the structure plan at the time (the Strathclyde Structure Plan) and which was defined in detail in the Review undertaken by the former Kyle and Carrick District Council.

3.14 As part of the process of preparing the Draft Local Plan, a working draft assessment of urban capacity was undertaken, which concluded that there was only 53 hectares of vacant and derelict land in South Ayrshire, with varying degrees of suitability and availability for development. Explicit recognition was given to the Ayrshire Development Strategy of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (2000), and the requirement to provide a range of development opportunities. In so doing, account was taken of the underlying principle that green belts should provide stability and endurance, but that this can only be achieved where there is a balance between the containment and growth of urban development in the longer term.

3.15 Following approval of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan in 2000, both the process and the proposed greenbelt were re-assessed and it was concluded the integrity of the greenbelt, identified in the Draft Local Plan, remained intact. However, alterations to the greenbelt boundary were made in respect of two strategic housing sites at North East Troon and South East Ayr, which were withdrawn from the green belt, to reflect the development proposals for the sites. There was also a minor alteration to the boundary at Annbank, to take account of a proposed housing site identified in the South Ayrshire Local Plan.

3.16 Following the South Ayrshire Local Plan Inquiry, the Reporters made a number of recommendations, including in respect of the green belt. The Reporters considered the greenbelt did not properly reflect the greenbelt purposes identified, did not fully conform to the AJSP and was not entirely in line with national guidance. It was recommended the greenbelt be reviewed and, if this could not be completed before the local plan was adopted, an interim greenbelt be introduced. Generally, the Council strongly disagreed with the Reporters’ recommendations (a detailed account of the Reporters’ Findings/ Council’s considerations is set out in Appendix A). In summary, the Council considered the greenbelt methodology to be robust and fulfil the purposes of the greenbelt as set out in the AJSP and government policy. Therefore, no modifications were proposed to the greenbelt, with the exception of the land at the Aerospace Park, Monkton.

3.17 Whilst the Council considered and addressed the Reporters’ findings in respect of the SALP greenbelt, for the purposes of this greenbelt update, the Council needs to ensure the purpose of South Ayrshire’s greenbelt is consistent with both SPP and the adopted AJSP.

4. Evaluation of existing Green Belt against Scottish Planning Policy and the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan

Scottish Planning Policy

4.1 As mentioned above, national policy on green belts was previously based upon Scottish Office Circular 24/1985: Development in the Countryside and Green Belts. However, the economic, social and environmental context of this policy guidance has changed. This began with the release of SPP21 Green Belts and was reiterated in the now consolidated Scottish Planning Policy (SPP), which was published in February 2010. Paragraph 159 of SPP states that “The purpose of green belt designation in the development plan as part of the settlement strategy for an area is to:

• 1. direct planned growth to the most appropriate locations and support regeneration,

• 2. protect and enhance the quality, character, landscape setting and identity of town and cities, and

• 3. protect and give access to open space within and around town and cities.” 4.2 Green belt designation should provide clarity and certainty on where development will and will not take place, and can have particular benefit where a co-ordinated approach to settlement planning is required across local authority boundaries. Green belt designation should be used to direct development to suitable locations, not to prevent development from happening. For towns and cities with a distinct character and identity that could be harmed by unplanned growth, the use of green belt designation and relevant policies may help to manage that growth more effectively.”

4.3 SPP goes on to state that “ the local development plan should establish the need for a green belt, identify specific boundaries and set out the policy for future development within it including the identification of appropriate uses.” Furthermore, SPP states that “local development plans should reflect the long term settlement strategy and ensure that settlements are able to accommodate planned growth. Inner boundaries should not be drawn to tightly around the urban edge, but where appropriate should create an area suitable for planned development between the existing settlement edge and green belt boundary. Boundaries should also take into account the need for development in smaller settlements within the green belt, and where appropriate leave room for expansion. Green belt boundaries should be clearly identifiable on the ground, using strong visual or physical landscape features such as rivers, tree belts, railways or main roads. Hedges and field enclosures will rarely provide a sufficiently robust boundary. Existing settlements should be excluded from green belt designations in development plans, as should existing major educational and research uses, major business and industrial operations, airports and Ministry of Defence establishments.”

4.4 Finally, SPP recognises that “In addition to supporting the management of the long term growth of a settlement, an effectively managed green belt can be an important resource for access to the countryside, providing a range of opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and tourism, and for protecting and enhancing biodiversity, the landscape and the historic environment. However, it is not a designation designed to safeguard natural heritage resources. Wherever possible, green networks within settlements should extend into the green belt.”

Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan: Growing a Sustainable Ayrshire

4.5 “The Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan: Growing a Sustainable Ayrshire” was approved by Scottish Ministers on 22nd November 2007. The plan sets a vision for Ayrshire in 2025: “Ayrshire will be a competitive place contributing to a thriving Scotland, that is receptive to change, open and welcoming to new people, new ideas, new activities and new ways of living: with strong vibrant communities: a well-connected, growing, diversified and sustainable economy: an excellent quality of life and healthy environment: with all people enjoying the highest levels of prosperity, choice and accessibility in partnership with the wider West of Scotland.”

4.6 As the plan moves forward to 2025 and identifies areas for potential urban expansion, the Structure Plan places a greater emphasis on the landscape setting of communities and the need for areas to be identified where expansion should be restricted. It recognises that in some areas, protection of the landscape setting has already been strengthened by the establishment of greenbelt policy or specific landscape designations. As the protection of the character and setting of communities is of economic, as well as environmental, significance, and thus important to the long-term prosperity of the area, the Structure Plan proposes that strategic and coherent landscape protection measures should be developed jointly in the Core Investment Area to:

• ensure planned growth is directed to the most appropriate locations;

•protect and enhance the character, landscape setting and identity of communities; and

•protect and give access to open space within and around communities as part of the wider structure of green space.

4.7 To provide an appropriate policy context for protecting the landscape setting of the Core Investment Areas within Ayrshire, the Structure Plan suggests the consideration of proposed landscape protection measures should also explore the concept of whether a joint greenbelt may be an appropriate vehicle for delivery. Any proposed landscape protection measures are not intended to prevent the expansion of communities within the area but to guide development through the development plan process to locations within it that are appropriate in environmental terms.

4.8 At present, no green belt designation exists within either North or East Ayrshire, but, in accordance with Structure Plan policy, South Ayrshire Council has discussed and explored the possibility of a joint Ayrshire Green Belt with the other Ayrshire Authorities. However, both North and East Ayrshire Councils considerer it unlikely and unnecessary to identify a green belt within their respective areas, for the following reasons: the need for a green belt did not arise through consultation with either elected Members or the general public; there would only be merit in a joint green belt approach where there were particular concerns in relation to coalescence between Core Investment Areas, or areas of high quality landscape which merited additional protection; the rural area polices, as they currently stand, seem to work well; and there is no pressing need to designate a green belt. Should a joint Ayrshire Green Belt have been a priority, it is envisaged the shared Ayrshire strategic planning service (Ayrshire Joint Planning Unit) would have pursued the matter; and the Council, at this time, considers it to be both reasonable and practical to focus solely on an update of the existing South Ayrshire green belt.

4.9 While the AJSP recognises the importance and purpose of strategic and coherent landscape protection measures, the glossary within the Structure Plan defines a green belt as being “An area of land designated for the purposes of managing the growth of a town or city in the long term where there is a strong presumption against inappropriate development in order to:

• control the growth of built-up areas and complement the process of urban renewal; • prevent neighbouring towns from merging; • preserve the character of towns including their landscape setting; • protect agricultural land from development and create stability for its productive use; • preserve landscape character and provide the necessary stability for its enhancement; and • provide for the enjoyment of the countryside”.

4.11 In general terms, it is considered that the Structure Plan’s definition of a green belt echoes the sentiments of SPP, in respect of the purposes of a green belt. However, as SPP does not consider the protection of agricultural land from development to be a purpose of green belt designation, the SAPLDP will contain rural area policies which will protect agricultural land, and, in particular, Prime Quality Agricultural Land, from inappropriate development. The purpose of this green belt update is therefore to ensure South Ayrshire’s green belt is consistent with Scottish Government policy. The Green Belt will be crucial to the success of growing South Ayrshire’s economy in its outstanding natural environment, as it will support and strengthen the Council’s growth strategy, by restricting unmanaged, unplanned urban growth. 5. Purpose of the Proposed South Ayrshire Local Development Plan green belt update

5.1 A key aim of the green belt update is to inform the local development plan process. Planning Circular 1/09: Development Planning requires that local development plans set out authorities’ general proposals for development in their areas and, in particular, proposals as to where development should and should not occur. South Ayrshire’s green belt clearly has a role to play in fulfilling the latter requirement by contributing to the Spatial Strategy for the area.

5.2 While the Spatial Strategy will guide housing development proposals to the preferred search areas for housing growth, South Ayrshire’s green belt remains fundamental to the success of growing South Ayrshire’s economy in an outstanding natural environment, as it can support and strengthen this strategy by restricting unmanaged, unplanned urban growth. In this way, sites or locations that are not identified in the LDP as areas of growth will be less attractive for development purposes. This, in turn, should increase clarity and certainty on where development will and will not take place.

5.3 Notwithstanding the need to direct housing development proposals to the preferred search areas for housing growth, the green belt will continue to have a role in the protection of landscape setting/ identity, the protection of open space within and around towns, and the prevention of the neighbouring towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon from merging.

5.4 It can therefore be concluded that the central purpose of South Ayrshire’s green belt update is to:-

• ensure planned growth is directed to the most appropriate locations;

•protect and enhance the character, landscape setting and identity of communities; and

•protect and give access to open space within and around communities as part of the wider structure of green space.

South Ayrshire’s green belt update will also be used to prevent the coalescence of settlements, although it is recognised that there may be circumstances where coalescence would create a more sustainable settlement pattern. Finally, the green belt update will support the co-ordination and implementation of the Central Scotland Green Network National Development.

6. Establishment of green belt evaluation framework 6.1 This chapter describes the method and approach adopted in establishing a green belt evaluation framework. However before work on the evaluation framework could commence, a suitable study area was identified.

Study Area

6.2 In designating a suitable study area, the Council was mindful that the exercise being undertaken was a green belt update. Therefore, the extent of the area surveyed for consideration of inclusion in the updated green belt was limited to the areas which were previously assessed during the review of the South Ayrshire Local Plan green belt. These areas were identified using the following criteria:

• Parcels, where possible, were to be of a similar character and land use; • Parcels, where possible, were not to cross significant boundaries such as main roads, rivers or woodland; and • Parcels, where possible, were take account of changing landscapes and landform;

As a result 73 discrete parcels of land were identified (Appendix B)

6.3 Evaluation Framework

The criteria used to evaluate and define the purpose of South Ayrshire’s green belt update are detailed in the Evaluation Framework (Appendix C). In order to successfully manage this process, functionality indicators were identified to assess the suitability of each discrete parcel in meeting the purposes of South Ayrshire’s green belt update. While the functionality indicators are detailed fully in the Evaluation Framework, they can reasonably be summarised as follows:-

i) Contribution to Settlement Strategy

As part of the preparation of South Ayrshire Council’s SPALDP, a Spatial Strategy has identified locations where development should and should not occur. An update of the current South Ayrshire green belt is an important step towards ensuring the green belt accords with the LDP spatial strategy. SPP states that land should only be designated as green belt where it will contribute to settlement strategy and therefore the framework evaluates whether a parcel is located within a preferred search area for housing growth.

ii) Landscape Setting/ Identity The assessment of landscape character is pertinent to the review of the green belt. This is because rural and green belt areas, if not carefully managed, will experience significant impact as a result of future growth. It is, therefore, important to understand the sensitivity of these areas to change, so that growth which takes place outside the towns of Ayr Prestwick and Troon can be directed to locations which are least sensitive to change and contribute towards achieving a sustainable pattern of development.

iii) Coalescence

The frameworks evaluates how each parcel fulfils a role in separating settlements in terms of distance of its outer boundary from the nearest neighbouring area.

iv) Green Belt Boundaries

The framework evaluates the boundaries of the existing green belt giving consideration to the guidance set out in SPP that the boundary of the green belt must be clearly identifiable on the ground, using strong visual or physical features, and sufficiently robust to endure for the long term. These features may include rivers, tree belts, railways or main roads and landscape features from the horizon. Hedges and other field enclosures will rarely be sufficiently robust.

v) Protection/Access to Open Space and to Central Scotland Green Network Objectives

The framework evaluates the role of each parcel in providing access to open space. Open space is defined as greenspace consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water, path or geological feature within and on the edges of settlements, and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function. Furthermore, the framework evaluates the role that each parcel plays in contributing to the vision and goals of the Central Scotland Green Network.

7. Green belt evaluation

7.1 As mentioned above, 73 discrete parcels were surveyed for consideration of inclusion in the updated green belt. Appendix D sets out the assessment of each of these parcels and is accompanied by a matrix which gives an overview of the evaluation process. As can be seen from Appendix D, further consideration was required for 8 of the parcels based on the criteria used to evaluate and define the purpose of South Ayrshire’s green belt update. Generally, further consideration was proposed to either: remove a parcel from the designated green belt, review the boundary of a parcel which is currently designated as green belt or to determine whether there is merit in designating a parcel, or parts of it, as green belt.

7.2 Appendix E sets out the Council’s detailed assessment of the 8 parcels, further consideration of which was proposed based on the criteria used to evaluate and define the purpose of South Ayrshire’s green belt update. In order to simplify the process, the 8 parcels were grouped into 2 separate areas, based on their geographic location and the particular green belt issues which were relevant. The 2 separate areas, which each include a few discrete parcels, are located at Mossblown/ Annbank and the Carrick Hills. Appendix E reviews the parcels located within the particular areas and explains the course of action the Council intends to take, to ensure that South Ayrshire’s green belt is consistent with the purposes and objectives of SPP and the AJSP and the content of the South Ayrshire Proposed Local Development Plan is informed by the green belt update.

8. Conclusion

8.1 The green belt update explains the rationale for, and the approach and methodology behind, the Council’s decision to update its green belt. The update has identified 2 main changes to South Ayrshire’s green belt which can be summarised as follows:

 Removal of the designated green belt to the east of Mossblown/ Annbank and redefined green belt boundaries identified.  Increased green belt coverage south of Ayr and redefined green belt boundaries identified.

A detailed justification for these green belt changes is included within Appendices D and E, with South Ayrshire’s existing and amended green belt detailed in Appendix F.

8.2 While the update has identified 2 main changes to South Ayrshire’s green belt, it has also concluded that the existing green belt performs well against functionality indicators which are set out in the evaluation framework. In general, it is concluded that South Ayrshire’s green belt: contributes to the SPALSP settlement strategy; contributes to the identity and landscape setting of settlements; protects and gives access to open space in and around towns, which contributes to the vision and goals of the Central Scotland Green Network; has strong defensible boundaries; and prevents the coalescence of settlements.

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Reporters’ Findings:

The Reporters’ Findings related to the following matters;

i) Strategic Matters;

ii) The greenbelt methodology and

iii) The greenbelt defined in the South Ayrshire Local Plan (SALP) i) Strategic Matters

The Reporters found that the Greenbelt as proposed, in discrete separate areas of land rather than as a continuous ‘belt, was consistent with Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan (AJSP) policy, provided that it was the outcome of a sound process of identification.

The Reporters also found that there was no conflict with the Consultative Draft Ayrshire Structure Plan (CDSASP). ii) The Greenbelt Methodology

The Reporters found that it was sound for South Ayrshire to have undertaken a root and branch review of the greenbelt. The Reporters also found that there was no standard methodology to define greenbelts and that the Council’s distinctive approach should not be unduly criticised. There was no dispute that an appropriate study area was identified, and that a considerable body of information was collected. However, the Reporters conclude that the greenbelt methodology was flawed, finding that the final determination of greenbelt boundaries was incapable of systematic audit. iii) The Greenbelt defined in the SALP

The Reporters noted that there was pressure for development both within the proposed greenbelt area and considered that the effect of the proposed greenbelt would be to further increase pressure in the non-designated areas. Provided that the inner boundaries of the greenbelt were not drawn too tightly, the Reporters found that concerns of a more extensive greenbelt would ‘throttle’ development or result in ‘town cramming’ or ‘leap frogging’ of development, would not necessarily be the case if the greenbelt was not drawn too tightly. The Reporters also found that the fragmentary nature and extent of the non-designated area would not support the settlement strategy in terms of directing development to the main towns.

The Reporters found that the proposed greenbelt boundaries could not be regarded as logical or readily understood and that this would be unlikely to sustain an appropriate balance between containment and growth of urban development.

Referring to specific sections of the proposed greenbelt, the Reporters considered that insufficient attention has been given to landscape setting. It was concluded that it was difficult to distinguish between the middle sections of the greenbelt and the non-designated areas. It was concluded that the greenbelt designation should be extended to cover the land to the east of A78 at Troon, the northern slopes of Brown Carrick Hill and other lands at Heads of Ayr. The Reporters found that there was no convincing reason to include the Aerospace Park (at Monkton) within the Greenbelt. It is also concluded that proper account has not been taken of the role of the greenbelt in protecting land around the airport.

Conclusions It was concluded that the proposed greenbelt did not properly reflect the greenbelt purposes identified and that it did not fully conform with the AJSP and did not entirely conform with national guidance. It was recommended that the greenbelt be reviewed and that if this was unable to be completed before the local plan was adopted that an interim greenbelt should be introduced.

Reporters’ Recommendations

(i) that the green belt proposed in SALP be reviewed, and that any consequent policy implications be assessed, all along the lines outlined above;

(ii) that, in the continuing absence of the conclusions of the review, an interim green belt be introduced, as follows:

(a) retaining the existing green belt, subject to pulling back the inner boundaries to the A77, A78 and A79;

(b) including the green belt section proposed in SALP to the south of Ayr but extending it to cover the northern slopes of the Brown Carrick Hills and the land by Spring Garden Cottage. In particular, the Reporters conclude that the site at Burton Farm formed an important part of the landscape setting of the southern part of Ayr. The greenfield nature of the site meant it serves to control the growth of the built-up area and serve to preserve the character of this part of Ayr and has a strong greenbelt role. The Reporters recommend that the site at Burton Farm be not identified for development in SALP but that the extent and line of the greenbelt should be reviewed.; and

(iii) that the text in SALP associated with green belt policy STRAT2 be revised, as appropriate, to reflect the findings of the proposed green belt review and any changes made, or the terms of the interim position recommended above.

Council’s Considerations:

The Council’s considerations on each of the substantive matters were: i) Strategic Matters

The Council welcomed the Reporters findings that the Greenbelt, as proposed, was consistent with the AJSP, provided that it was the outcome of a sound process of identification. The Council detailed in para ii) below the reasons why it considered that the greenbelt was the outcome of a sound process. It follows that the Council was of the view that the Greenbelt is consistent with the AJSP.

The Council notes the Reporters‟ findings in relation to the CDASP, and for the reasons set out above the Council considered that the Greenbelt was also consistent with the CDASP. ii) The Greenbelt Methodology

Having considered the Reporters comments and findings, the Council was of the view that the Reporters did not properly understand the process that was undertaken.

In determining the greenbelt, three surveys were undertaken, only one of which was the determinative survey (the parcel contribution), which drew upon information gleaned from the other two surveys. Indeed one of the surveys (the parcel assessment) was eventually merely utilised as an interesting comparison with the recommendations arising from the determinative survey. The Council did not consider that this hierarchy of influence was reflected in the Reporters’ findings. Rather the Reporters comments appeared not to reflect the role of the parcel contribution survey and instead they had relegated that survey, as well as the other surveys, to a position of not determining the formulation of the greenbelt. Whilst, the parcel contribution survey did not, in itself, finally determine greenbelt boundaries and due regard was also given to ensure that greenbelt boundaries were logical, stable and readily understood, it was not correct to conclude that this survey merely informed the process. The Council did acknowledge that there were some instances where the recommendations, clearly set out in the parcel contribution survey were not followed through into the final proposed greenbelt, however these were relatively few and evidence was provided to the Inquiry on these few occasions. The Council, therefore, considered that the process in which the greenbelt was finally drawn was readily transparent from the recommendations set out in the parcel contribution survey and the evidence presented to the Inquiry.

Taking account of the aforementioned considerations the Council was of the view that the Greenbelt methodology was robust and that the process upon which the boundaries drawn were transparent.

iii) The greenbelt defined in the SALP

The Council did not agree that the designation of a greenbelt into sections implies that the remaining rural protection area could be regarded as a corridor for urban expansion. Not only was the non- designated areas protected, through AJSP policies ADS5 and G5 but future local plan development allocations would require to be assessed against site selection criteria considered relevant at that time. In accordance with the AJSP, local plan development allocations require to be justified against the criteria of G8 of the AJSP; none of which refer to greenbelt considerations.

The Reporters recognised that development in the greenbelt required to be strictly controlled, but also that was a need for the diversification of the rural economy.

In bringing forward a greenbelt policy framework and a greenbelt area the Council wished a clearly unique and different policy framework for the greenbelt; a difference quite readily apparent from the policies operating in the non-greenbelt countryside areas. The Council noted that the Reporters have made no mention of the provisions of AJSP policy ADS 6, which required local plans to define policy areas for the countryside (including greenbelt) and for specific policies for their identification, protection, management and development. The Council considered that policy ADS 6 provided the local plans with the twin purposes of defining the greenbelt and also evolving the policies that operate in the greenbelt. ADS 6 brought forward the policy framework of the structure plan, in terms of policies G4 and G5, and of the local plan, in terms of polices STRAT2 and STRAT3.

This policy framework provided essential context upon which the greenbelt was defined. In that, in addition to having regard to the greenbelt principles set out in the AJSP, it was intended from the outset that the greenbelt policy position would be discernibly ‘stricter’ in the types and range of development that the Council found appropriate than was the case in other countryside non- designated areas. Within such a context the Council did not consider it appropriate to have a greenbelt wrapping around the entire urban area, constraining appropriate local scale rural development opportunities in the area surrounding the main centres of population and activity.

The Reporters did not appear to have considered the Council’s explicit intentions for how the policy framework would operate, and instead considered their own view on this policy framework; a matter which was only partially before the Local Plan Inquiry for the Reporters consideration.

The Council noted that the Reporter was not satisfied that an extensive greenbelt would act as a “throttle” to development, provided that provision is made for long term growth. However, this did not recognise the substance of the Council’s concerns which related to such a “throttle” in relation to small scale rural based activities rather than large scale (usually planned) urban related developments.

The Reporters were not satisfied that the greenbelt supported the settlement strategy of directing development to the main towns. The Council did not accept the suggestion that a fragmented greenbelt could result in a detrimental effect on the potential for an appropriate integrated approach to village and town regeneration.

To suggest such a scenario by implication meant that any town or village without a surrounding greenbelt would suffer similar difficulties in promoting urban renewal and regeneration. The local plan policies in the non-designated area, principally policies STRAT 1 and STRAT3, operate to ensure that non rural based activity are directed to towns and villages.

The Reporters found that insufficient attention had been given to landscape setting, referring in relation to this finding that it is difficult to distinguish the landscape of the middle greenbelt section (that section adjoining the River Ayr) from the surrounding non-designated area. The Council agreed that the reasons for defining the middle section did not primarily relate to landscape setting of towns, but rather considers that it stands out as an area meriting greenbelt designation for reasons relating to the particular value of the area in terms of countryside recreation. The Council considered that this was discernable from the survey evidence that was presented to the Local Plan Inquiry, where an assessment against the criteria ‘provide for enjoyment of the countryside’ is made.

The Reporters made findings on specific sections of the proposed greenbelt finding, in essence, that owing to their landscape setting contribution that they should be included in the greenbelt. The Council considered that the landscape setting of those areas were not sufficient on their own to merit inclusion in the greenbelt and that other designations, such as the Scenic Area designation in the Brown Carrick Hill area were more suited to fulfil this function. Notwithstanding, the Council was unclear of the methodology that the Reporters undertook in coming to these conclusions and the Reporters own considerations on these specific areas were not capable of systematic audit.

The Reporters concluded that there was no convincing reason why the Aerospace Park and adjoining land should be retained in the greenbelt. The reasons for the Council including the Aerospace Park within the proposed greenbelt related to protecting land around the airport for airport related needs. The Council agreed that the character of the area is now that of a high technology business estate. In view of the planning consent for the Aerospace Park, restricting the use of the lands for airport/runway related needs, and the policy AIR2 of the SALP, the Council agreedthat a greenbelt designation was unnecessary additional protection. The Council therefore proposed to modify the SALP to take this area out of the greenbelt and to be covered by Rural Protection Area policy STRAT3. In addition, land at Greenan,was set out as a proposed modifications to identify the site as a strategic Greenfield housing release. As a consequence of that proposed modification, it was also proposed to delete the site from the proposed greenbelt at that location.

Regarding the Reporters conclusions that insufficient account had been taken of protecting the land around the airport, the Council remained of the view that arising from the airport study, and the development needs arising from that, that there was no reason to protect this land for airport related reasons. The Council agreed with the Reporters that there was a significant landscape setting of these areas; however, it was not considered that these in themselves justify greenbelt designation and the existing provisions of the SALP are sufficient to afford the necessary protection sought by the Reporters.

On the matter of an interim greenbelt, as recommended by the Reporters (should a review of the greenbelt be unable to be completed prior to adoption of the SALP) the Council considered that, notwithstanding the Council’s view that the proposed greenbelt was robust, that it was inappropriate to include an interim policy with an adopted local plan, particularly in relation to a greenbelt, which should provide stability and endure over, at least, the medium term. To introduce an interim greenbelt would result in a level of uncertainty and therefore discredit one of its fundamental principles

Taking all the above matters together the Council considered that the greenbelt had resulted from a robust methodology and that the resulting area met with the purposes of the greenbelt set out in the AJSP, including the glossary, and government policy. Therefore, no modifications were proposed for the greenbelt, with the exception of land at the Aerospace Park, Monkton.

Modification:

1) The proposals map was altered to remove the Aerospace Park from the greenbelt and it was covered with the Rural Protection Area policy. That land at the Aerospace Park, Monktonwill was removed from the greenbelt and covered by the Rural Protection Area policy STRAT3.

2) That land at Greenan, Ayr, as shown on the Proposals Map under policy H3B was removed from the greenbelt.

Appendix B

South Ayrshire Council Proposed Local Development Plan

Green Belt Study Area

Appendix C

South Ayrshire Council Proposed Local Development Plan – Green belt update

Green Belt Evaluation Framework

Table of Functionality Indicators – Green Belt Update - Assessment Framework

ASSESSMENT THEME METHOD CONSTRAINTS 1.Contribution to Settlement Strategy A GIS layer displaying the MIRs None noted preferred spatial strategy was adopted in assessing this theme. Those parcels which were located within a preferred search area for housing growth were not considered suitable for green belt designation and were identified as ‘red’ in terms of green belt functionality. Those parcels which were located within non- preferred locations for housing growth were considered to contribute to spatial strategy and were identified as ‘green’ in terms of green belt functionality. 2.Landscape Setting/ Identity Map based exercise/ site visits, Using maps does not allow for identifying parcels which protect an all encompassing landscape and enhance the character, assessment. Site visits will landscape setting and identity of provide a more informed settlements. landscape assessment. 3. Coalescence Map based exercise, identifying None noted potential for parcels to prevent settlements from merging. 4. Boundary Features Achieved using maps/ site visits None noted to evaluate green belt boundaries. Green belt boundaries should be clearly identifiable on the ground, using strong visual or physical landscape features such as rivers, tree belts, railways or main roads. 5. Protection and Access to Open Areas of public open space as None noted Space & contribution to Central identified in PAN65 to be Scotland Green Network Objectives assessed on maps in relation to the parcels.

The CSGN has been identified as The CSGN is at an early stage a National Development within nationally, therefore, it is difficult NPF2, encompasses a vast area for SAC to predict the how the within South Ayrshire in an CSGN will contribute to the attempt to improve the economy, purposes of the green belt quality of life, and environment. Parcels scored depending on their contribution to the visual and goals of the CSGN.

Green Belt Update - Assessment Framework

Introduction

As part of the preparation of South Ayrshire Council’s PSALDP, a Spatial Strategy has identified locations where development should and should not occur. An update of the current South Ayrshire Green Belt is an important step involved in ensuring that green belt meets with the LDP spatial strategy.

The green belt assessment framework focuses on SPP Green Belt objectives and aims to:

i. Direct planned growth to the most appropriate locations and support reservation, ii. Protect and enhance the quality, character, landscape setting and identity of towns, and iii. Protect and give access to open space with and around settlements.

The framework also focuses on the prevention of the coalescence of settlements; however, the Council are aware that there may be circumstances where coalescence would create a more sustainable settlement pattern. The framework also concentrates on green belt boundaries to ensure, that where possible, boundaries are sufficiently robust. Finally, the framework takes cognisance of how green belt designation can help with the delivery of the vision and goals of the Central Scotland Green Network.

Study Area

As part of developing the Green Belt Assessment Framework, a study area has been identified which consists of 73 parcels which are subject to rigorous assessment as set out in Appendix 1 of this report. The parcels have been identified using the following criteria:

 Parcels, where possible, were to be of a similar character and land use;  Parcels, where possible, were not to cross significant boundaries such as main roads, rivers or woodland; and  Parcels, where possible, were take account of changing landscapes and landform;

Methodology

The Green Belt Assessment Framework is set out in Appendix 1 to this report. In order to manage this process, functionality indicators were identified and have been separated into three categories: - contribution to settlement strategy; protect and enhance the quality, character, landscape setting and identity of settlements; and protect/ enhance access to open space with and around towns. Each category contains specific, parcel-level and measurable functionality indicators within defined criterion. Further information on the parameters for measuring the appropriateness of a land parcel in achieving green belt objectives is contained within Appendix 2 to this report.

Each parcel will be assessed against the functionality indicators. For every parcel, each functionality indicator will be categorised as either being green (where the functionality indicator meets the purpose of green belt designation), amber (where the indicator plays some role in meeting the purposes of green belt designation) or red (where the indicator does not contribute to the purposes of green belt designation). The

Once the functionality indicators have been applied to all appropriate parcels a recommendation will be made on whether the parcel, or areas within, are suitable to be designated as green belt. The methodology proposes a logical assessment of the current green belt and adjacent areas by investigating whether the identified land parcels are consistent with the green belt objectives as detailed in Scottish Planning Policy.

Appendix 1: Green Belt Assessment Framework

1. Contribution to the Settlement Strategy

The parcel is located within a non-preferred housing growth area and therefore green belt designation would contribute to the LDP spatial strategy. The parcel, from the perspective of the settlement strategy in directing growth to the most appropriate locations, does not merit being designated as green belt The parcel is located within a preferred area for housing growth and therefore green belt designation would contradict the LDP spatial strategy

2. Landscape Setting/ Identity

The parcel’s landscape has a strong visual relationship with a settlement, has a strong relationship with the identity of a settlement and is important in key views.

The parcel’s landscape has some visual relationship with a settlement, has some relationship with the identity of a settlement and is important in some views.

The parcel’s landscape has a limited visual relationship with a settlement, has a limited relationship with the identity of a settlement and does not have key/ important views.

3. Coalescence

The parcel prevents the physical and visual coalescence of settlements.

The parcel provides either physical or visual coalescence.

The parcel does not function as an area which prevents coalescence.

4. Boundary Features

The parcel has strong and robust boundaries which are clearly identifiable

The parcel has some boundaries which are robust and identifiable.

The parcel has weak boundaries which are not sufficiently robust.

5. Protection/ Access to Open Space and contribution to the CSGN objectives

The parcel is a recognised open space area with a network of access routes or open spaces and strongly contributes towards the vision and goals of the Central Scotland Green Network

The parcel has a limited formal or informal path provision or recreational use and makes some contribution towards the vision and goals of the Central Scotland Green Network

The parcel has a very limited formal or informal path provision or poor connectivity for recreation and does not contribute towards the vision and goals of the Central Scotland Green Network

Appendix 2: Criteria

Direct planned Contribution to Settlement This indicator shall assess whether a parcel, if designated as green belt, would contribute to the growth to the most Strategy LDP spatial strategy. appropriate locations Protect and Landscape Setting/ This indicator shall assess the role of the landscape in contributing to the setting and identity of enhance the quality, Identity settlements. The role of the landscape in contributing to the character of settlements is character, considered to be a combination of both setting and identity. landscape setting and identity of Coalescence Coalescence is physical or visual joining of two separate settlements. This can significantly settlements adversely impact on the character or setting of separate settlements.

Boundary Features This indicator will consider the robustness of green belt boundaries. Green belt boundaries should be clearly identifiable on the ground, using strong visual or physical landscape features such as rivers, tree belts, railways or main roads. Hedges and field enclosures will rarely provide a sufficiently robust boundary.

Protect/ enhance Protection and Access to This indicator will also assess the function of a green belt and ability to meet the vision and access to open Open Space & goals of the CSGN. space with and contribution to Central around settlements Scotland Green Network Objectives

Appendix D

South Ayrshire Council Proposed Local Development Plan

Green Belt Evaluation

Green Belt Update - Assessment Framework Scoring Matrix Area 1. Contribution to the 2. Landscape Setting/ 3.Coalescence 4. Boundary 5. Protection & Access to Additional Comments/ Proposed Actions Settlement Strategy Identity Features Open Space & CSGN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Part review of the eastern part of the area. Suggested removal of green belt designation. 42 Part review of the eastern part of the area. Suggested removal of green belt designation. 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 See 62 64 Part review of southern part of the site to provide the greenbelt with a robust defensible boundary. 65 See parcel 68 66 67 Review of the area to consider whether merit in designating area, or parts of it, within the green belt 68 Review of the area to consider whether merit in designating area, or parts of it, within the green belt 69 70 71 72 Review boundary 73 Review of the area to consider whether merit in designating area, or parts of it, within the green belt 75 76 77 78 79 Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 1

Site Description This is a small area of flat open agricultural land which is bounded by the Gailes Burn and the A759. The area does not adjoin the settlement edge and is not currently designated as Green Belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Landscape The landscape has a low and limited visual relationship with surrounding settlements and landmark/ Setting/ recreational areas. As the area is flat, the landscape is not highly distinctive and does not have a role Identity to play in settlement identity. Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical, visual or perceptual distinction between settlements. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Contribution The area is not within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not to the located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the Settlement perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area for green belt for the Strategy purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations is not merited. Protection The area does not provide an important role in the connectivity between open spaces within and and Access around settlements; however, part of the site has potential to be linked to the existing Sustrans to Open National Cycle route. Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Boundary The area does not adjoin a settlement edge but is bounded by both the A759 and the Gailes Burn. Features Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None None.

Recommendation

This is an area of flat open agricultural land which is bounded by the Gailes Burn and the A759. The area does not adjoin the settlement edge and is not currently designated as Green Belt.

The isolation of this area of landscape from surrounding settlements means that the area does not play a role in contributing to Green Belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of towns at a strategic level. The area is not within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area has a limited role to play in giving access to open space within and around neighbouring towns although the Sustrans National Cycle route bounds part of the area.

In light of the limited role of this area in relation to Green Belt objectives, it is recommended that the area is not considered suitable for Green Belt designation.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 2

Site Description This is an area consisting of a series of low hills which rise slighting from the surrounding pasturelands, resulting in a series of summits inland from Troon. The hills are low standing at just under 150 metres AOD, and most slopes are comparatively gentle.

The site contains Hillhouse Quarry and a number of farms, and is largely defined as the Lowlands Hills although the western part of the area is identified as being within the Lowland Coast. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Contribution The majority of the area is not within any preferred search areas for residential development and the to the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. A small proportion of the Settlement eastern part of the site is located within the preferred search area for housing growth. In light of this, Strategy from the perspective of the settlement strategy, the designation of this area for green belt for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations would not be merited. Landscape While the landscape of the area has some visual relationship with Troon and is important in some Setting/ views, at a strategic scale, it is considered that the landscape setting/ identity have a limited role. Identity Coalescence Although the west of the area is bounded by the A78, the area to a degree, provides a physical separation between Troon and Dundoanld.

Boundary The area is bounded to the north by the A759, to the west by the A78, to the east by residential Features development at Dundonald and the Dundonald Castle and its setting, and to the south by surrounding pasturelands. The parts of the landscape which are physically more distant from the surrounding settlements play a weaker role, and there are some areas at the settlement edges which perform a lesser role in relation to the settlement setting or identity due to more limited visibility.

Protection The area is connected to the existing Smugglers Trail, which is a significant recreation resource locally. and Access to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

This is an area consisting of a series of low hills which rise slighting from the surrounding pasturelands, resulting in a series of summits inland from Troon. Although the hills are low standing at just under 150 metres AOD, and most slopes are comparatively gentle, the landscape of the area has some visual relationship with Troon and is important in some views. Although, at a strategic scale, it is considered that the landscape setting/ identity have a limited role. Land cover is dominated by pastures, enclosed with hedges (many with gorse) and post and wire fences.

The majority of the area is not within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. A small proportion of the eastern part of the site is located within the preferred search area for housing growth.

The parts of the landscape which are physically more distant from the surrounding settlements play a weaker role, and there are some areas at the settlement edges which perform a lesser role in relation to the settlement setting or identity due to more limited visibility.

The area is connected to the existing Smugglers Trail, which is a significant recreation resource locally.

While the landscape of the area has some visual relationship with Troon and is important in some views, at a strategic scale, it is considered that the landscape setting/ identity have a limited role. The area will be afforded protection by the Council’s Local Development Plan countryside policies and it is recommended that the area is not considered suitable for Green Belt designation.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 3

The site contains Hallyards Quarry and a number of farms, and is largely defined as the Lowlands Hills although the western part of the area is identified as being within the Lowland Coast/ Ayrshire Lowlands. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Protection The area plays a limited role in the connectivity between open spaces within and around settlements, and Access and in fulfilling the vision and goals of the CSGN. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Contribution The majority of the area is not within any preferred search areas for residential development and the to the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. A small proportion of the Settlement eastern part of the site is located within the preferred search area for housing growth. In light of this, Strategy from the perspective of the settlement strategy, the designation of this area for green belt for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations would not be merited. Landscape The landscape at the northern part of the area has some visual relationship with Troon and is Setting/ important in some views, while the southern part of the area has a strong rural character and is Identity visible from the main transport routes which pass through the area. However, at a strategic scale, it is considered that the landscape setting/ identity of the whole area have a limited role. Coalescence Although the west of the area is bounded by the A78, the area to a degree, provides a physical separation between Troon and Symington.

Boundary The area is bounded to the north by the Loans to Dundonald road, to the west by the A78, to the east Features by surrounding pasturelands and the edge of Symington, and to the south by the A77. The parts of the landscape which are physically more distant from the surrounding settlements play a weaker role, and a lot of the area does not play a role in contributing to Green Belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of towns at a strategic or local level.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

This is a vast area consisting of a series of low hills which rise slighting from the surrounding pasturelands, resulting in a series of summits inland from Troon. The hills are low standing at just under 150 metres AOD, and most slopes are comparatively gentle. The landscape at the northern part of the area has some visual relationship with Troon and is important in some views, while the southern part of the area has a strong rural character and is visible from the main transport routes which pass through the area. However, the isolation of parts of this area from settlements means that a lot of the area does not play a role in contributing to Green Belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of towns at a strategic or local level.

The physical relationship between the area and Troon is limited by the A78 while the area has a minor open space role.

While the landscape at the northern part of the area has some visual relationship with Troon and is important in some views, it is considered that the landscape has a limited role in relation to the local setting or identity of Troon, and also lacks a strategic role. The area will be afforded protection by the Council’s Local Development Plan countryside policies and it is recommended that the area is not considered suitable for Green Belt designation.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 4

Site Description The area is located to the northwest of the Monktonhill roundabout, and is currently designated as Green Belt. The outer Green Belt boundary is defined by Kerrix Road and Blackside Wood, whereas the inner Green Belt boundary is defined by the A78.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Protection The area plays a limited role in the connectivity between open spaces within and around settlements, and Access and in fulfilling the vision and goals of the CSGN. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber None None Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The defensibility of the area’s boundaries are strong. The outer Green Belt boundary is defined by Features Kerrix Road and Blackside Wood, whereas the inner Green Belt boundary is defined by the A78. The strong defensible boundaries provide a natural barrier to the urban sprawl of Monkton and the airport and are therefore important in managing future urban growth.

Contribution The area is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is to the not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area also has an important role Settlement in controlling future urban and airport expansion. Strategy Landscape The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass Setting/ through the area. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points Identity (particularly the A77). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of the urban core.

Recommendation

The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass through the area. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points (particularly the A77). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence.

The area is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area also has an important role in managing future urban and airport expansion by ensuring that any urban growth is directed to more appropriate locations.

The area plays a limited role in the connectivity between open spaces within and around settlements.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area does, however, have strong defensible boundaries which would fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

It is therefore considered that this area continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 5

Site Description The area is located to the east of Troon and to the north of Loans, on the western side of the A759. The area is bounded by both the settlement boundaries of Troon and Loans. The A759 bounds the southernmost part of this area.

The majority of this area is allocated in the SALP as a major Greenfield housing release site. Therefore, it is recommended that this area is not considered suitable for Green Belt designation. The southern part of this area is currently designated as Green Belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the Smugglers Trail, links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links to Open into the Troon cycle network. Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape The southern part of this area is currently designated as Green Belt. The landscape plays some role in Setting/ contributing to local settlement setting identity. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of the southern part of this area as Settlement green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate Strategy locations. Coalescence The southern part of this area is currently designated as Green Belt. This particular area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Loans and Troon, and plays a central role in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Loans through maintaining the distinction between the settlements. Boundary The southern part of this area is bounded by both the settlement boundaries of Troon and Loans. The Features A759 bounds the southernmost part of this area. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the southern part of this area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

The majority of this area is allocated in the SALP as a major Greenfield housing release site. Therefore, it is recommended that this area is not considered suitable for Green Belt designation.

The southern part of this area is currently designated as Green Belt. This particular area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Loans and Troon, and plays a central role in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Loans through maintaining the distinction between the settlements. The area is also located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of the southern part of this area as green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations.

In addition, the landscape plays some role in contributing to local settlement setting identity. The area has a locally important open space role through the access opportunities associated with the Smugglers Trail, links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon cycle network.

The southern part of this area adjoins the settlement boundaries of both Troon and Loans which offers a robust Green Belt boundary.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the southern part of this area be retained as Green Belt; whereas, the northern part of the area is retained as a major Greenfield housing release site.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 6

Site Description The area is located to the east of Troon on the northern side of Troon Road (A759). The area is bounded by the settlement boundary of Troon and the entire area is located within the designated greenbelt.

The area is relatively flat and is defined by the Ayrshire Character Assessment as being part of the Lowland Coast . Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon to Open cycle network. Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape The area is currently designated as Green Belt. The landscape plays some role in contributing to local Setting/ settlement setting identity. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt Settlement designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations. Strategy Coalescence The area is currently designated as Green Belt. The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Loans and Troon, and plays a central role in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Loans through maintaining the distinction between the settlements. Boundary The area is bounded by the settlement boundary of Troon. The A759 bounds the southern part of Features this area. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at this area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

The area is currently designated as Green Belt. This particular area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Loans and Troon, and plays a central role in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Loans through maintaining the distinction between the settlements. The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth and, it is therefore considered from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations.

In addition, the landscape plays some role in contributing to local settlement setting identity. The area has a locally important open space role through the access opportunities associated with links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon cycle network.

The area adjoins the settlement boundaries of Troon and the A759 which offers a robust Green Belt boundary.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the area be retained as Green Belt. Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 7

Site Description This is a small triangular area of flat open agricultural land which is bounded to the north by the Barassie Burn and to the east by Main Street (A759). Agricultural land, which is designated as green belt, bounds to the south and west of this area. The area itself is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Boundary The area is bound to the north by the Barassie Burn and to the east by Main Street (A759). Features Agricultural land, which is designated as green belt, bounds to the south and west of this area.

Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon to Open cycle network. Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape Although the area is relatively mall, it has a visual relationship with Troon in providing delineation Setting/ between urban and rural areas. Accordingly, the landscape plays some role in contributing to local Identity settlement setting identity. Coalescence The area is currently designated as Green Belt. The area, to some degree, plays a role in providing separation between Troon and Loans. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of the southern part of this area as Settlement green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate Strategy locations.

Recommendation

The area is currently designated as Green Belt and, although the area is relatively small, it has a visual relationship with Troon in providing delineation between urban and rural areas. Accordingly, the landscape plays some role in contributing to local settlement setting identity.

The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations.

The area has a locally important open space role through the access opportunities associated with links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon cycle network.

The area is bound to the north by the Barassie Burn and to the east by Main Street (A759). Agricultural land, which is designated as green belt, bounds to the south and west of this area.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the area be retained as Green Belt. Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 10

Site description This area is an elongated strip of land which is located immediately to the west of the A78 and to the east of the B746. The area is located to the east of Troon and the south/ east of Loans.

The entire site is located within the green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None None. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated Access to with the links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon Open Space cycle network. & CSGN Coalescence The area, to some degree, plays a role in providing separation between Troon and Loans. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing to designate settlement this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more strategy appropriate locations. Landscape The site has a strong visual relationship with Troon/ Loans in that the area is visible from within the Setting/ surrounding settlements and it provides a setting for the urban area on the approach along the A78 Identity and the B746. Boundary The area has a robust and defensible boundary by way of the A78 located to the west and the B746 to features the east.

Recommendation

This site is located adjacent to both the Loans/ Troon settlement boundary and provides a setting for the urban area on the approach along the A78 and the B746. It makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area.

While the area provides a visual setting for both Troon and Loans, the area plays a limited role in preventing coalescence between these settlements.

It is therefore considered that this site continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 11

Site Description This is a large parcel of land located immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary of Troon. The area is bound to the south by Craigend Road/ Isle of Pin Road, to the west by a railway line, to the north by Ottoline Drive and to the east by B746. The area is predominantly occupied by Lochgreen golf course, although the Darley Plantation and wooded area are located within the area.

The entire site is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Landscape The area, which is located immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary of Troon, is Setting/ predominately utilised as a golf course which contributes to the landscape identity of the town. Identity Although, at a strategic scale, it is considered that the landscape setting/ identity have a limited role as the area is relatively low lying. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt Settlement designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations. Strategy Coalescence The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Troon and South wood, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and South wood. Boundary The area is bound to the south by Craigend Road/ Isle of Pin Road, to the west by a railway line, to the Features north by Ottoline Drive and to the east by B746. The area is predominantly occupied by Lochgreen golf course, although the Darley Plantation and wooded area are located within the area. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the golf course and vast areas of open space. to Open Space & contribution The area also has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities to the associated with the Smugglers Trail, the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon cycle objectives of network, and links to the local path network. the CSGN There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN.

Recommendation

The area, which is located immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary of Troon, is predominately utilised as a golf course which contributes to the landscape identity of the town. Although, at a strategic scale, it is considered that the landscape setting/ identity have a limited role as the area is relatively low lying. The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area.

The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Troon and South wood, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and South wood. The area is also considered to have robust boundaries which are tangible and robust.

The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated with the golf course and vast areas of open space. There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN.

It is therefore considered that this site continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 12

Site Description This is a large parcel of land located immediately adjacent to the settlement boundaries of both Troon and Prestwick. The area is bound to the north by Craigend Road (B743), to the west by the coast, to the south by Links Road and to the east by a railway line. The area is predominantly occupied by Royal Troon, Troon Portland and Old Prestwick golf courses.

The entire site is relatively flat and located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt Settlement designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations. Strategy Coalescence The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Troon and Prestwick, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Prestwick. Landscape Although the area is low lying and relatively flat, its coastal setting makes the area visually prominent Setting/ from a number of different vantage points (particularly from the Heads of Ayr and when approaching Identity the area by boat). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identify of the locale as it provides clear delineation between both Troon and Prestwick

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of both Troon and Prestwick. Boundary The area is bound to the north by Craigend Road (B743), to the west by the coast, to the south by Features Links Road and to the east by a railway line. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the National Cycle Route. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN

Recommendation

The area, which is located immediately adjacent to the settlement boundaries of Prestwick and Troon, is predominately occupied by golf courses which contribute to the landscape identity of both towns. Although the area is low lying and relatively flat, its coastal setting makes the area visually prominent from a number of different vantage points, thus fulfilling a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of both Troon and Prestwick.

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area.

The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Troon and Prestwick, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Prestwick. The area is also considered to have robust boundaries which are tangible and robust.

The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated with the links to the Ayrshire Coastal path and the National Cycle Route.

It is therefore considered that this site continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 13

Site description This area encompasses South Wood, which is a unique area within South Ayrshire containing a number of residential properties dated from the early 1900’s. The area is relatively flat, is located within a mature woodland setting and in bound to the north by Craigend Road/ Isle of Pin Road, to the west by South wood Road and the railway line, to the south by mature woodland and to the east by Monktonhill Road.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence As the area has been developed for residential purposes, it is considered that the area does not prevent coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The National Cycle Route bounds to the west of the area with the Monktonhill Road to Foreshore Access to local path crossing the area. The area is also located in close proximity to Lochgreen Golf course. Open Space & CSGN There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Landscape The area has a limited visual relationship with Troon in that it is visible from one of the main arterial Setting/ routes into the Town. However, the area is almost entirely screened from the B749 by the mature Identity woodland. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing to designate settlement this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more strategy appropriate locations. Boundary The area is located within a mature woodland setting and in bound to the north by Craigend Road/ features Isle of Pin Road, to the west by South wood Road and the railway line, to the south by mature woodland and to the east by Monktonhill Road. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area. The area makes a limited contribution to the landscape setting/ identity of Troon in that it is visible from one of the main arterial routes into the Town. However, the area is almost entirely screened from the B749 by the mature woodland.

The area is bound to the north by Craigend Road/ Isle of Pin Road, to the west by South wood Road and the railway line, to the south by mature woodland and to the east by Monktonhill Road. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

The National Cycle Route bounds to the west of the area with the Monktonhill Road to Foreshore local path crossing the area. The area is also located in close proximity to Lochgreen Golf course. There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 14

Site Description This is a small area of flat open agricultural land which is bounded to the east by Monktonhill Road, to the west by mature woodland, to the north by a local access road/ path and to the south by South wood Road. The area is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence It is considered that the area does not prevent coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the links to the local path network and the National Cycle Route. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape The area has a limited visual relationship with Troon in that it is visible from one of the main arterial Setting/ routes into the town. However, the area is almost entirely screened from the surrounding roads by Identity the mature woodland. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of the southern part of this area as Settlement green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate Strategy locations. Boundary The area is bounded to the east by Monktonhill Road, to the west by mature woodland, to the north Features by a local access road/ path and to the south by South wood Road. The boundaries are therefore considered to be robust and tangible.

Recommendation

The area is currently designated as Green Belt and, although the area is relatively small, it has some visual relationship with Troon in that it is visible from one of the main arterial routes into the town.

The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated with the links to the local path network and the National Cycle Route.

The area is bounded to the east by Monktonhill Road, to the west by mature woodland, to the north by a local access road/ path and to the south by South wood Road. The boundaries are therefore considered to be robust and tangible.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the area be retained as Green Belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 15

Site Description This is a large parcel of land which is bound to the west by Monktonhill Road and the railway, to the east by the A78, to the south by the A79 and to the north by Isle of Pin Road.

The area is utilised for agricultural purposes and is relatively flat.

The entire site is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area is bound by cycle route 7 which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local and Access paths contained within the site. to Open Space & contribution There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. to the However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the objectives of site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Landscape Although the area is relatively flat, its setting makes the area visually prominent from a number of Setting/ different vantage points (particularly from the A78 and the A79). The area also contributes to the Identity landscape setting/ identify of the locale as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of Troon.

Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt Settlement designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations. Strategy Coalescence The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Troon and Monton, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of Troon. Boundary The area is bound to the west by Monktonhill Road and the railway, to the east by the A78, to the Features south by the A79 and to the north by Isle of Pin Road. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

Although the area is relatively flat, its setting makes the area visually prominent from a number of different vantage points (particularly from the A78 and the A79). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identify of the locale as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area.

The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Troon and Monkton, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of Troon. The area is also considered to have robust boundaries which are tangible and robust.

The area is bound by cycle route 7 which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local paths contained within the site. There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN.

It is therefore considered that this site continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 16

Site Description The area is located to the east of Troon on the southern side of Troon Road (A759). The area is bounded by the settlement boundary of Troon and the entire area is located within the designated greenbelt. The area is bounded to the north by the A759, to the west by residential development, to the south by the Darley Burn and to the east by Main Street.

The area is relatively flat and is defined by the Ayrshire Character Assessment as being part of the Lowland Coast . Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None. None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area has a locally important open space/ CSGN role through the access opportunities associated and Access with the links to the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon cycle network. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape The area is currently designated as Green Belt. The area is visible when approaching Troon from the Setting/ A759 and provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of this area as green belt Settlement designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations. Strategy Coalescence The area is currently designated as Green Belt. The area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Loans and Troon, and plays a central role in protecting the setting and identity of Troon and Loans through maintaining the distinction between the settlements. Boundary The area is bounded to the north by the A759, to the west by residential development, to the south Features by the Darley Burn and to the east by Main Street. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at this area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

In addition, the area is visible when approaching Troon from the A759 and provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. The area has a locally important open space role through the access opportunities associated with links to the old Loans Road path which links into the Troon cycle network.

The area is bounded to the north by the A759, to the west by residential development, to the south by the Darley Burn and to the east by Main Street. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at this area are tangible and robust.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the area be retained as Green Belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 17

Site description This is a vast irregularly shaped parcel of land which could be divided into several smaller sections for the purposes of conducting an assessment. The area is bound to the north by the A77, to the west by the A77 and the B739, to the south by the A719 and to the east by a local road and field lines.

The area is visible from the A77, the A719 and the B739; however due to the topography it is considered that the area does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of surrounding settlements.

Boundary features The site is bound to the north by the A77, to the west by the A77 and the B739, to the south by the A719 and to the east by a local road and field lines. While the roads provide good boundaries for the purposes of green belt designation, it is considered that field lines do not act as a robust boundary for a greenbelt as they can be easily altered. In addition SPP states that field boundaries are not considered to be sufficiently robust boundaries. Contribution to The site is not within any of the preferred search areas for residential development and the site the settlement is largely outwith the non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is considered, from the strategy perspective of the settlement strategy that the designation of this site as green belt for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations would not go far enough so as to merit the designation of this site as greenbelt.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None

Recommendation

This is a vast area of land that has a number of different features due to its size. The assessment against the indicators outlined above shows that there are no areas in which the site excels, and that in general the site performs fairly poorly. In terms of how the site contributes towards the aims of a greenbelt it is apparent that there is not enough evidence to suggest that the site should be included.

The area has a limited visual relationship with Troon, Monkton and Prestwick and does little in terms of providing these settlements with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundaries and the topography of the land. The area is not located within a preferred search area for housing growth and it is considered that designating the site as greenbelt would do little in terms of directing development to the most appropriate locations. It is considered that countryside policies would provide this site with ample protection. The site does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 18

Site description This is a large area of land which comprises of the Ayrshire Lowlands and the Lowland Hills. The area is bound to the north and east by the B739, to the south by the A719 and to the west by the A77. The area does not adjoin any settlement and is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Monkton and Prestwick. The area comprises of Identity the Ayrshire Lowlands and the Lowland Hills. Although the hills are low, standing at just under 150 metres AOD, and most slopes are comparatively gentle, some of the hills are a significant feature in the landscape, contrasting with the lowlands.

Contribution to The site is not within any of the preferred search areas for residential development and the site the settlement is largely outwith the non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is considered, from the strategy perspective of the settlement strategy that the designation of this site as green belt for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations would not go far enough so as to merit the designation of this site as greenbelt.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary features The area is bound to the north and east by the B739, to the south by the A719 and to the west by the A77. It is therefore considered that the area has robust and tangible boundaries.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with both Monkton and Prestwick, and does little in terms of providing these settlements with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundaries and the topography of the land. The area is not located within a preferred search area for housing growth and it is considered that designating the site as greenbelt would do little in terms of directing development to the most appropriate locations. It is considered that countryside policies would provide this site with ample protection. The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area does, however, have robust and tangible boundaries which would fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 19

Site Description The area is located to the west of Monkton on the northern side of Station Road (B739). The area contains the Goodrich Aircraft hanger and is bound to the south by Station Road, to the east by the Monkton Settlement boundary, to the north by field lines and tree planting, and to the west by Netherwood Road and the boundary of the Goodrich site.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is located immediately to the south of the area. The area is not designated within the green belt Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Contribution The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from to the the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would Settlement prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. Strategy

Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area is bound by cycle route 7 which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local and Access paths contained within the site. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape The area is highly visible from both the A79 and Station Road. However, given that the area is Setting/ currently occupied by the Goodrich Aircraft hanger, it is considered that the area has no/ very limited Identity role to play in contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of settlements at a strategic or local level. Boundary The area is bound to the south by Station Road, to the east by the Monkton Settlement boundary, to Features the north by field lines and tree planting, and to the west by Netherwood Road and the boundary of the Goodrich site. While the roads provide good boundaries for the purposes of green belt designation, it is considered that field/ site lines do not act as robust boundaries for a greenbelt as they can be easily altered. In addition SPP states that field boundaries are not considered to be sufficiently robust boundaries. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The assessment against the indicators outlined above shows that there are no areas in which the site excels, and that in general the site performs fairly poorly. In terms of how the site contributes towards the aims of a greenbelt it is apparent that there is not enough evidence to suggest that the site should be included.

The area has a limited visual relationship with Troon, Monkton and Prestwick and does little in terms of providing these settlements with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundaries and the topography of the land. The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas.

The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

The area is bound by cycle route 7 which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local paths contained within the site.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 20

Site Description The small area is located to the west of Monkton on the northern side of Station Road (B739). The area is bound to the south by Station Road, to the east by the Goodrich site, to the north and west by the A79. The area is landscaped, presumably a requirement of the Goodrich development.

Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area is bound by cycle route 7 which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local and Access paths contained within the site. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Landscape The area is highly visible from both the A79 and Station Road. However, given the isolation of the sitet Setting/ from surrounding settlements and that the land is relatively low lying, it is considered that the area Identity has no/ very limited role to play in contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of settlements at a strategic or local level. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area is bound to the south by Station Road, to the east by the Goodrich site, to the north and Features west by the A79. Accordingly, it is considered that the boundaries of this site are both tangible and robust.

Recommendation

The assessment against the indicators outlined above shows that the area generally performs poorly against green belt aims and objectives.

The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas.

The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

The area is bound by cycle route 7 which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local paths contained within the site.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 21

Site Description The small area is located immediately to the south of the Monktonhill Roundabout. The area is bound to the west by the A79, to the south by the Goodrich site, to the east by the local road into Monkton and to the north by Monktonhill Roundabout.

The area is relatively flat and sits in isolation from any settlement. The area is currently designated within the green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Protection There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible and not and Access conducive to recreational activities. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber None None. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area is bound to the west by the A79, to the south by the Goodrich site, to the east by the local Features road into Monkton and to the north by Monktonhill Roundabout. Accordingly, it is considered that the boundaries of this site are both tangible and robust. Contribution While Monkton has been identified as a preferred location for housing growth, this area has an to the important role in controlling future urban and airport expansion by ensuring that any urban growth is Settlement directed to more appropriate locations. Strategy

Landscape The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass Setting/ through the area. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points. The Identity area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of the urban core.

Recommendation

The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass through the area. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points. The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area does, however, have robust and tangible boundaries which would fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

It is therefore considered that this area continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 22

Site Description The area is located to the east of Monkton on the western side of the A77. The area contains the former HMS Gannet site which is bound to the south by Station Road and to the the north, east and west by the site boundaries of the HMS Gannet.

Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Protection There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible and not and Access conducive to recreational activities. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Boundary The site has weak, defensible boundaries on 3 sides which are delineated by fencing. features Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Landscape The area is highly visible from both the A77 and Station Road. However, given that the area is a brown Setting/ field site, it is considered that the area has no/ very limited role to play in contributing to green belt Identity objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of settlements at a strategic or local level. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with Monkton and does little in terms of providing the settlement with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundary and the topography of the land. While the area is highly visible from the A77, the brownfield nature of the area means that it has a very limited role to play in contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity.

The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible and not conducive to recreational activities.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 23

Site Description The area is located immediately to the south of the A78. The area is bound to the west by the local road into Monkton, to the south by Dow’s burn and a mature woodland, to the east by the Dutchhouse roundabout and to the north by the A78.

The area is relatively flat and sits in isolation from any settlement. The area is currently designated within the green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Protection There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible and not and Access conducive to recreational activities. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber None None Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area is bound to the west by the local road into Monkton, to the south by Dow’s burn and a Features mature woodland, to the east by the Dutchhouse roundabout and to the north by the A78. Accordingly, it is considered that the boundaries of this site are both tangible and robust. Contribution While Monkton has been identified as a preferred location for housing growth, this area has an to the important role in controlling future urban and airport expansion by ensuring that any urban growth is Settlement directed to more appropriate locations. Strategy

Landscape The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass Setting/ through the area (particularly the A78). The area is also visually prominent from a number of Identity different vantage points. The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of the urban core.

Recommendation

The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass through the area. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points (particularly the A78). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area does, however, have robust and tangible boundaries which would fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

It is therefore considered that this area continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 24

Site Description The area comprises of agricultural land and lies 0.5 miles to the north‐east of Monkton. The area is adjacent to the Dutch House roundabout, where the A77, A78 roads and the C16 Kilmarnock Road, Monkton converge. The Monkton Lodge restaurant, travel hotel and petrol station, and the Dutch House caravan park all lie across Kilmarnock Road to the south‐east of the area. The area itself is grassland and slopes gently downwards from north‐ east to south‐west and also from the road verge of Kilmarnock Road towards the Dow's Burn watercourse on the northern boundary of the site. This burn is lined with trees along this northern boundary, which provides some screening from the A78 dual carriageway. The southern boundary of the site is bounded by a hawthorn hedge.

The area is currently designated within the green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area is bound by A77 cycle path which encourages recreation; however there are no identified and Access local paths contained within the site. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area is bound to the north by the A78/ Dow’s Burn, to the west by Dow’s Burn, to the south by Features the Monkton settlement boundary and to the east by Kilmarnock Road. Accordingly, it is considered that the boundaries of this site are both tangible and robust. Contribution While Monkton has been identified as a preferred location for housing growth, this area has an to the important role in controlling future urban and airport expansion by ensuring that any urban growth is Settlement directed to more appropriate locations. Strategy

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of the urban core. the site has a planning permission for the formation of a park and ride.

Recommendation

The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible from the main transport routes which pass through the area. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points (particularly the A78). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area does, however, have robust and tangible boundaries which would fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

It is acknowledge that the area has planning permission for a park and ride facility; however, the area contributes to the landscape setting/ identify of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

It is therefore considered that this area continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 25

Site description This is an elongated area of land which is located immediately to the west of the A77. There are a number of features contained within the area including the Raith and Pow Burn, mature woodland and the B739. The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bounded to the east by the A77, to the South by the Raith Burn, and to the west and north by field/ site lines.

The area does not adjoin any settlement and is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Monkton and Prestwick. While the area is Identity visible from the A77, it is relatively flat and low lying and does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of surrounding settlements.

Boundary features The area has weak, defensible boundaries to the north and west. There are no obvious features which the northern and eastern boundaries of the are follow, although it may be field/ site lines. Field/ site lines are not considered to be the robust defensible boundaries; however, the site is not currently located within the green belt.

The eastern boundary (A77) and the southern boundary (Raith Burn) are considered to be strong, robust and defensible. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area and the area’s northern and western boundaries are weak.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 26

Site Description The extensive site covers a large area to the north and east of Monkton, which incorporates agricultural land, a hotel, a petrol station and a caravan site. Part of the area is located between Kilmarnock Road, Tarbolton Road, and the A77. A further, large portion of the area lies to the west of Kilmarnock Road, stretching from the existing boundary of Monkton, to the site of the permitted park and ride facility, adjacent to Dutch House roundabout.

The area rises gently from Tarbolton Road up to the north and west of the area , and is located outwith the designated green belt Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Contribution The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from to the the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would Settlement prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. Strategy

Protection The area is bound by A77 cycle path which encourages recreation; however there are no identified and Access local paths contained within the site. to Open Space & contribution to the objectives of the CSGN Boundary The area is bound to the south Station Road, to the northwest by Kilmarnock Road, to the northeast Features by the A77 and to the east by the HMS Gannet boundary. Accordingly, it is considered that the eastern boundary is weak; whereas the north‐western, north‐eastern and southern boundaries are considered to be strong, robust and tangible. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

Although the area is located immediately adjacent to Monkton, the topography of the area limits the visual relationship with Monkton and contribution to the identity of the settlement. A hotel, petrol station and caravan site are also located within the area which undermines the area’s role in contributing to the objectives of the green belt.

The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence.

The area is bound by A77 cycle path which encourages recreation; however there are no identified local paths contained within the site. The eastern boundary of the area is weak; whereas the north‐western, north‐eastern and southern boundaries are considered to be strong, robust and tangible.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 27

Site description This area of land is located to the south of the Dutch House roundabout and immediately to the west of the A77. The area is relatively flat and is bound to the north, west and south by field lines.

The area does not adjoin any settlement and is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Contribution to The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, the Settlement from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt Strategy would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas.

Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This area has a limited visual relationship with Monkton. While the area is visible from the A77, Identity it is relatively flat and does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of the settlement.

Boundary features The area has weak, defensible boundaries to the north, west and south. There are no obvious features which these boundaries follow, although it may be field/ site lines. Field/ site lines are not considered to be the robust defensible boundaries; however, the site is not currently located within the green belt.

The eastern boundary (A77) and the southern boundary isconsidered to be strong, robust and defensible. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with Monkton, and does little in providing the settlement with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundary and the topography of the land. The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area and the area’s northern, western and southern boundaries are weak.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 28

Site description This is a large area of land which is located immediately to the west of the A77. There are a number of features contained within the area including the Ladykirk Burn, farm steadings and local access roads. The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bounded to the east by the A77, to the South by the Raith Burn, and to the west by local access roads and field/ site lines and to the north by field/ site lines.

The area does not adjoin any settlement and is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. The area does, however, contain a wildlife site space/contribution which would partially contribute to the goals and objectives of the CSGN. to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Monkton and Prestwick. While the area is Identity visible from the A77, it is relatively flat and low lying and does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of surrounding settlements. The area does, however, provide delineation between the rural area and the airport.

Boundary features The area is bounded to the east by the A77, to the South by the Raith Burn, and to the west by local access roads and field/ site lines and to the north by field/ site lines. Therefore, the eastern and southern boundaries are considered to be strong and robust; whereas, the western and northern boundaries are weak.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The area is not located within a preferred search area for housing growth and it is considered that designating the site as greenbelt would do little in terms of directing development to the most appropriate locations. It is considered that countryside policies would provide this site with ample protection. The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area and the area’s northern and western boundaries are weak. The area does, however, contain a wildlife site which would partially contribute to the goals and objectives of the CSGN.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 29

Site description This is a large area of land which is located immediately to the west of the A77. The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bounded to the east by the A77, to the north by a local access road, to the west by the airport boundary and the south by field/ site lines.

The area does not adjoin any settlement and is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. The area does, however, contain a wildlife site space/contribution which would partially contribute to the goals and objectives of the CSGN. to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Monkton Prestwick. While the area is visible Identity from the A77, it is relatively flat and low lying and does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of surrounding settlement. The area does, however, provide delineation between the rural area and the airport.

Boundary features The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bounded to the east by the A77, to the north by a local access road, to the west by the airport boundary and the south by field/ site lines. Therefore, the eastern and northern boundaries are considered to be strong and robust; whereas, the western and southern boundaries are weak.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with Prestwick, and does little in terms of providing the settlement with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundary and the topography of the land. The area does, however, provide delineation between the rural area and the airport.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 30

Site description The area is located to the west of the A77 and to the northwest of the Whitletts Roundabout. The area generally slopes away from the A77 down towards the Heathfield Retail Park and comprises agricultural fields, a hotel, and car showrooms.

The site is highly visible from the A77 and surrounding areas and is bounded to the east by the A77, to the south by Heathfield Road, to the east by a local access road and site boundaries, and to the north by a local access road and site boundaries.

The area is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Ayr. While the area is visible from the A77, it is Identity relatively flat, is low lying, contains a number of buildings and does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of surrounding settlement. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution to The site is not within any of the preferred search areas for residential development and the site the settlement is largely outwith the non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is considered, from the strategy perspective of the settlement strategy that the designation of this site as green belt for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate locations would not go far enough so as to merit the designation of this site as greenbelt.

Boundary features The area is located to the west of the A77 and to the northwest of the Whitletts Roundabout. The area generally slopes away from the A77 down towards the Heathfield Retail Park and comprises agricultural fields, a hotel, and car showrooms.

Therefore, it is considered that the eastern and southern boundaries are strong and robust; whereas, the northern and western boundaries are relatively weak.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with Ayr, and does little in terms of providing the settlement with identity due to the area being utilised for commercial purposes. The topography of the area also prohibits the area from fulfilling green belt objectives as set out in SPP.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area and the area’s northern and western boundaries are weak.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 31

Site description This is a vast irregularly shaped parcel of land which could be divided into several smaller sections for the purposes of conducting an assessment. The area is bound to the north by the A719, to the west by the B742, to the south by the B742 and the settlement boundary of Mossblown and to the east by a local road and field lines.

Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Mossblown. The area comprises of the Ayrshire Identity Lowlands and the Lowland Hills. Although the hills are low, standing at just under 150 metres AOD, and most slopes are comparatively gentle, some of the hills are a significant feature in the landscape, contrasting with the lowlands.

The area is visible from the A719 and the B742; however due to the topography it is considered that the area does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of Mossblown

Protection and The Arcon Avenue to A719 Springbank local path network is located within the area. access to open space/contribution to CSGN objectives Boundary features The area is bound to the north by the A719, to the west by the B742, to the south by the B742 and the settlement boundary of Mossblown and to the east by a local road and field lines. While the roads provide good boundaries for the purposes of green belt designation, it is considered that field lines do not act as a robust boundary for a greenbelt as they can be easily altered. In addition SPP states that field boundaries are not considered to be sufficiently robust boundaries. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with Mossblown and does little in terms of providing this settlement with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundary and the topography of the land. The majority of the area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. The site does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 32

Site description This is an elongated area of land which is located immediately to the east of the A77. There are a number of features contained within the area including a dismantled railway line, a burn, mature woodland and a local access road. The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bounded to the west by the A77, to the south by the railway line, to the east by field lines, and to the north by B742.

The area does not adjoin any settlement and is not located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This parcel has a limited visual relationship with Ayr. While the area is visible from the A77, it is Identity relatively flat and low lying and does not significantly contribute to the setting and identity of Ayr or any other surrounding settlement.

Boundary features The area has a weak, defensible boundary to east. There are no obvious features which the eastern boundaries follow, although it may be field/ site lines. Field/ site lines are not considered to be the robust defensible boundaries; however, the site is not currently located within the green belt.

The western, southern and northern boundaries are considered to be strong, robust and defensible. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None. None.

Recommendation

The area has a limited visual relationship with Ayr, and does little in terms of providing the settlement with identity due to the distance from the settlement boundaries and the topography of the land. The area is not located within a preferred search area for housing growth and it is considered that designating the site as greenbelt would do little in terms of directing development to the most appropriate locations. It is considered that countryside policies would provide this site with ample protection. The area does nothing in terms of preventing coalescence of any settlements.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area and the area’s eastern boundary is weak.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the site continues to remain outwith the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 33

Site Description This relatively small area is located to the west of the A77 and to the south of the B742. The area slopes gently from north to the south and is subdivided by a railway line. The area to the south of the railway line is currently designated within the green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The area has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This area has a viewpoint located within it. The viewpoint offers some views to Ayr, Prestwick Identity and the coast depending on visibility. However, there are other areas which are not as important in terms of establishing a visual relationship with any settlements. Boundary features The site has weak, defensible boundaries on 3 sides. There are no obvious features which the western, southern and eastern boundaries of the site follow, although it may be field lines. Field lines are not considered to be the robust defensible boundaries for a green belt.

It is important to stress, however, that only the southern portion of the area is currently located within the green belt. The designated green belt, within this portion, has a strong defensible boundary to the north by way of the railway line. The western, eastern and southern boundaries of this portion are weak; although this portion immediately bounds area 34 which is designated within the green belt. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution to The southern portion of this area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it the settlement is currently located within the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing strategy growth’. Continuing to designate the southern portion of this area as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more appropriate locations. The northern portion of this area is out with both the green belt and a non‐preferred location for housing growth.

Recommendation

The southern portion of this area is currently designated as Green Belt and. Although the area is relatively small, it has some visual relationship with Ayr, Prestwick and the coast in that the area has a viewpoint located within it.

The southern portion of this area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing to designate the southern portion of this area as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more appropriate locations. The northern portion of this area is out with both the green belt and a non‐preferred location for housing growth.

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The area is generally inaccessible and not conducive to recreational activities.

The site has weak, defensible boundaries on 3 sides. There are no obvious features which the western, southern and eastern boundaries of the site follow, although it may be field lines. Field lines are not considered to be the robust defensible boundaries for a green belt.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the southern part of this area be retained as Green Belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 34

Site description This area of land is located to the north of the B743 and stretches from the small village of St Quivox to Mossblown. The area is predominantly made up of agricultural land with the entire area located within the designated green belt.

The area is bound to the north by the railway line, to the south by the B743, to the west by the B7035 and to the east by the Mossblown settlement edge.

The area is largely defined as the Ayrshire Lowlands although the southern part of the site is identified as being within the Lowlands River Valleys. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The proposed cycle route from Marchburn Avenue via St Cuthbert’s Golf Club, to the A77, St Quivox, Access to Auchincruive and Oswald’s Bridge bounds the western part of the area. Once complete, the cycle Open Space route will encourage active recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN. & CSGN Coalescence There is a case to say that the site has a role to play in terms of coalescence between Ayr and Mossblown. However, any development that took place to merge these two settlements is considered to be extremely unlikely at this stage. Nonetheless, from this perspective it is evident that this area has a role to play in directing development away from this area and to more appropriate locations. Landscape The area is fairly extensive in that there are some elements which may have a role to play in terms of Setting/ providing a setting and identity for both Ayr and Mossblown; however, it is clear that there are other Identity areas which do not fulfil the same function.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’ with the exception of a settlement small area to the south east of the site. One of the main aims of the strategy is to protect land around strategy the major housing release sites in order to ensure their delivery and marketability. Boundary The site has strong, robust and defensible boundaries on all sides. The western part of the site is features bound by the B7035, the northern part of the site is bound by a railway line, the south by the B743 and the east by the Mossblown settlement boundary.

Recommendation

It is evident from the assessment that this site has a number of strong characteristics which suggest that it should be retained as greenbelt. It fulfils a role in terms of the setting of both Ayr and Mossblown by providing a clear indication of urban and rural areas and it could be argued that it has a role to play in preventing coalescence in the long term.

The site also has a role to play in supporting the settlement strategy as maintaining the greenbelt designation at this location will ensure that development is directed to other more appropriate locations.

The proposed cycle route from Marchburn Avenue via St Cuthbert’s Golf Club, to the A77, St Quivox, Auchincruive and Oswald’s Bridge bounds the western part of the area. Once complete, the cycle route will encourage active recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the area be retained as Green Belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 35

Site description This area encompasses St Quivox , a small village located to the northeast of the Whitletts roundabout. The area is bound to the north and east by the B7035, to the west by the fields/ Hannah Research Institute, and to the south by an unnamed local access road.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence As the area has been developed for residential purposes, it is considered that the area does not prevent coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The proposed cycle route from Marchburn Avenue via St Cuthbert’s Golf Club, to the A77, St Quivox, Access to Auchincruive and Oswald’s Bridge bounds the eastern part of the area. Once complete, the cycle Open Space route will encourage active recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN. & CSGN Landscape The area has a limited visual relationship with Ayr in that it is visible from one of the main arterial Setting/ routes (A77) into the Town. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing to designate settlement this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more strategy appropriate locations. Boundary The area is bound to the north and east by the B7035, to the west by the fields/ Hannah Research features Institute, and to the south by an unnamed local access road.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Recommendation

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area. The area makes a limited contribution to the landscape setting/ identity of Ayr in that it is visible from one of the main arterial routes into the Town.

The area is bound to the north and east by the B7035, to the west by the fields/ Hannah Research Institute, and to the south by an unnamed local access road.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries are located within the designated green belt. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

The proposed cycle route from Marchburn Avenue via St Cuthbert’s Golf Club, to the A77, St Quivox, Auchincruive and Oswald’s Bridge bounds the eastern part of the area.

Overall it is considered that the area has a role to play in terms of directing development to more appropriate locations in accordance with the spatial strategy of the LDP and that it should therefore be retained as green belt land.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 36

Site description The area is located 0.25 miles to the east of the A77 on the outskirts of Ayr. The area lies within the greenbelt adjacent to the boundary of the village of St. Quivox. The area was previously utilised as the Hannah research Institute and planning applications were submitted in both 2010 and 2011 for the Change of use of existing research building to form 22 dwelling flats and erection of 43 dwellinghouses with associated roads, landscaping and infrastructure.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence This is a relatively small area which is a brownfield site. The area clearly does not prevent coalescence in anyway. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. access to open space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ The area has a limited visual relationship with Ayr. The areas is however, visible from both the Identity B743 which is a main arterial route into the Town. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution to The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located the settlement within the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing strategy to designate this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more appropriate locations. Boundary features The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Recommendation

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area. The area makes a limited contribution to the landscape setting/ identity of Ayr in that it is visible from one of the main arterial routes into the Town.

The area is located within the green belt and is bound to the northeast by the village of St. Quivox. All land beyond the area boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 37

Site description This area is an irregularly shaped piece of narrow land which is relatively flat.

The area is located 0.25 miles to the east of the A77 on the outskirts of Ayr. The area is bound to the west by Wheatpark Farm, to the east by the Hannah Research Institute, to the north by the railway line and to the south by the B743.

The site is located within the designated green belt Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. access to open space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ The area has a limited visual relationship with Ayr in that small sections of it are visible from Identity within the settlement and it provides a setting for an urban area on the approach along the B743. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution to The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located the settlement within the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing strategy to designate this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more appropriate locations. Boundary features The site is bound by a number of different features including the B743, Wheatpark Farm, the Hannah Research Institute and the railway line. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area and it is therefore considered that the area does little in terms of protecting or accessing open space; nor does the area contribute to the objectives of the CSGN

In terms of the landscape setting, the site plays only a limited role as it has little visual relationship with Ayr and in terms of providing a setting for the settlement on the approach to Ayr from the B743.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 38

Site description This is a small area of land which lies immediately to the east of the Whitletts roundabout. The area is bound to the west by Whitletts roundabout, to the north by the railway line, to the south by the B743 and to the east by Wheatpark Farm. The area is relatively low lying and is located within the designated green belt

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Protection & The site has no designated footpaths or cycleways within its boundary and it does not contribute to Access to or contradict any of the CSGN objectives. Open Space & CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape The site has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately adjacent to it. The site helps Setting/ to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. However, the Identity site is a relatively low lying piece of land with no distinctive features. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability. Boundary The area is bound to the west by Whitletts roundabout, to the north by the railway line, to the south features by the B743 and to the east by Wheatpark Farm. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

Recommendation

This site is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary and thus provides a rural setting for this part of the town. It makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area.

The area is bound to the west by Whitletts roundabout, to the north by the railway line, to the south by the B743 and to the east by Wheatpark Farm. It is therefore considered that the boundaries at the area are tangible and robust.

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 39

Site description The area is a long, irregularly shaped piece of land, located to the east of Ayr and is accessible via the B743. There is a road which runs along the western boundary of the area connecting the B743 with the B744. There are also a number of smaller routes which provide access to the various facilities.

The area is bound to the west by the unnamed road, to the north by the B743, to the east by the mature woodland/ field lines and to the south by the River Ayr/ unnamed access road.

The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) is located within the area. Auchincruive is a Historic Garden and Designed Landscape of conservation value.

The area contains 3 non‐statutorily designated wildlife sites. One of these sites is of particular interest as it comprises of a wide range of plant species and breeding birds and is recognised as being one of the best woodlands within South Ayrshire.

The entire site is located within the adopted greenbelt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. It is not located immediately adjacent to any settlements and therefore performs no function in this regard. Landscape The isolation of this area of landscape from settlement means that this area does not play a role in Setting/ contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of towns at a Identity strategic or local level. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. However, it is settlement important to stress that an application (09/01416/PPPM) for Planning Permission in Principle for a strategy proposed mixed use development comprising business and research floorspace, residential development, hotel/wedding centre, holiday accommodation unit, public house and restaurant, childrens nursery, office, village shop, retention/conversion of existing buildings; an 18 hole golf course and club house an equestrian centre/stabling facilities; landscaping and associated access and infrastructural works is pending determination at this area. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area has strong defensible boundaries. The area is bound to the west by the unnamed road, to features the north by the B743, to the east by the mature woodland/ field lines and to the south by the River Ayr/ unnamed access road.

Protection & There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide access Access to to open space. Open Space & CSGN

Recommendation

The assessment has shown that although the area does not contribute to the prevention of coalescence nor does the area does play a role in contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity, there are enough factors to suggest that this area should be retained as greenbelt.

There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide access to open space.

The area also has strong defensible boundaries. The area is bound to the west by the unnamed road, to the north by the B743, to the east by the mature woodland/ field lines and to the south by the River Ayr/ unnamed access road.

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. However, it is important to stress that an application (09/01416/PPPM) for Planning Permission in Principle is pending determination within this area.

Given the above, it is considered that the area be retained as green belt; however, the area should be monitored to determine the area’s contribution to the settlement strategy.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 40

Site description The area is a long, narrow shaped piece of land, delineated by the River Ayr and extensive woodland cover. The area is located to the east of Ayr and to the south of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) at Auchincruive.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries is located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. It is not located immediately adjacent to any settlements and therefore performs no function in this regard. Landscape The isolation of this area of landscape from settlement means that this area does not play a role in Setting/ contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of towns at a Identity strategic or local level. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. However, a small settlement proportion of the northern part of the area falls within the proposed development site of planning strategy application 09/01416/PPPM, which is pending determination.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area has strong defensible boundaries. The area is bound by either mature woodland or the features banks of the River Ayr.

Protection & There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide access Access to to open space. Open Space & CSGN

Recommendation

There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide access to open space. The area also has strong defensible boundaries. The area is bound by either mature woodland or the banks of the River Ayr.

Given the above, it is considered that the area be retained as green belt; however, the area should be monitored to determine the area’s contribution to the settlement strategy.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 41

Site description This is a large parcel of land located to the east of Ayr between the settlements of Mossblown and Annbank. The site contains a number of farms and is located within the greenbelt.

The site is largely defined as the Ayrshire Lowlands and Lowland Hills although the southern part of the site is identified as being within the Lowlands River Valleys. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Contribution The large majority of the area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is to the therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this Settlement entire area as green belt would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. Strategy

Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The path along Chapel Brae from Annbank to Brockle Wood runs along the southern boundary of the Access to area. The path from Annbank Road along the northern bank of the River Ayr to Auchcruive is located Open Space within the area. These formal paths encourage active recreation and therefore contribute to the goals & CSGN of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Landscape The area is so large that there are some elements which may have a role to play in terms of providing Setting/ a setting and identity for Mossblown and Annbank; however, there are other areas which do not fulfil Identity the same function.

The western part of the area provides a setting in that it operates as a clear distinction between the urban and rural area on the approach to Mossblown along the B743 from the Ayr. The western area also provides a setting which operates as a clear distinction between the urban and rural area when approaching Mossblown from Annbank, and vice verse, along the B742.

The visual relationship between the eastern part of the area and the surrounding settlements is limited by the landform and topography of the area. Therefore, the eastern part of this area of Green Belt generally plays a very limited role in the setting and identity of settlements at a strategic or local level, and therefore has a lesser role in fulfilling Green Belt objective 2. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The site has strong, robust and defensible boundaries on all sides. The western part of the site is features bound by the River Ayr and field lines, the eastern part of the site is bound by the B744, the north by the B743 and to the south by the River Ayr. Coalescence The western parcel of this area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Mossblown and Annbank, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of both these settlements.

Recommendation

It is evident from the assessment that this site has a number of strong characteristics which suggest that it should be retained as greenbelt. The western parcel of this area plays a strategic role in providing separation between Mossblown and Annbank, and is important in protecting the setting and identity of both these settlements.

The path along Chapel Brae from Annbank to Brockle Wood runs along the southern boundary of the area. The path from Annbank Road along the northern bank of the River Ayr to Auchcruive is located within the area. These formal paths encourage active recreation and therefore contribute to the goals of the CSGN.

However the area of land located to the east of the B742 does not perform so well on its own and it is suggested that this part of the area be removed from the green belt. The visual relationship between the eastern part of the area and the surrounding settlements is limited by the landform and topography of the area. Therefore, the eastern part of this area of Green Belt generally plays a very limited role in the setting and identity of settlements at a strategic or local level, and therefore has a lesser role in fulfilling Green Belt objective 2. It is suggested at this stage that the boundary could be adjusted to run along the B742 which would offer a robust defensible boundary. This would strengthen the overall performance of the area in terms of meeting the objectives of what should constitute a greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 42

Site Description This area is located immediately to the southeast of Annbank. The area is bound to the northwest by the settlement boundary of Annbank, to the southeast by the River Ayr, to the west by Mill Road/ Privick Mill Road and to the east by the B742.

The area rises steeply from the River Ayr to the settlement edge of Annbank. The area is currently located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Contribution The area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, from to the the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this area as green belt would Settlement prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. Strategy

Coalescence The area does not contribute to the identity of settlements as it does not provide a physical or perceptual distinction between settlements. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence. Landscape The area rises steeply from the River Ayr to the settlement edge of Annbank. The dwellings back onto Setting/ this area of land and the landscape does not play a strong role in contributing directly to settlement Identity setting and identity at a local level. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Protection The area is bound by the River Ayr Way and the Auld Line local path runs through area. These formal and Access paths encourage active recreation and therefore contribute to the goals of the CSGN. However the to Open CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly Space & contribution contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. to the objectives of the CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area is bound to the northwest by the settlement boundary of Annabnk, to the southeast by the Features River Ayr, to the west by Mill Road/ Privick Mill Road and to the east by the B742. Accordingly, it is considered that the boundaries of this site are both tangible and robust.

Recommendation

The area rises steeply from the River Ayr to the settlement edge of Annbank. The dwellings back onto this area of land and the landscape does not play a strong role in contributing directly to settlement setting and identity at a local level. The area has a limited role to play in providing visual coalescence.

The area is bound by the River Ayr Way and the Auld Line local path runs through area. The area does, however, have robust and tangible boundaries which fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

In light of the limited role of this area in relation to Green Belt objectives, it is recommended that this area be removed from the South Ayrshire Local Development Plan Green Belt designation.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 43

Site description This is a large parcel of land located immediately to the west of Annbank. There are a number of features contained within the area including the River Ayr, the B744, working farms and mature woodland cover. The area is bounded to the north by the Brockle Wood, to the west and south by the River Ayr, and to the east by the settlement boundary of Annbank.

The whole area is located within the designated green belt and is largely defined as being within the Lowlands River Valleys Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Contribution The large majority of the area is located within a preferred location for housing growth. It is to the therefore considered, from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the designation of this Settlement entire area as green belt would prevent housing growth being directed to the most appropriate areas. Strategy

Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The area is bound by the River Ayr Way. This formal path encourages active recreation and therefore Access to contributes to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and Open Space therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the & CSGN CSGN. Landscape This area has important viewpoints located within it. The viewpoints offer excellent views to the west, Setting/ overlooking Ayr depending on visibility. However, due to the size of the site there are other areas Identity which are not as important in terms of establishing a visual relationship with any settlements. Coalescence There is a case to say that the northern part of this area has a limited role to play in terms of coalescence between Annbank and Mossblown. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The site has strong, robust and defensible boundaries on all sides. The area is bounded to the north features by the Brockle Wood, to the west and south by the River Ayr, and to the east by the settlement boundary of Annbank.

Recommendation

It is evident from the assessment that this site has a number of strong characteristics which suggest that it should be retained as greenbelt. The northern parcel has important viewpoints located within it. The viewpoints offer excellent views to the west, overlooking Ayr depending on visibility. However, due to the size of the site there are other areas which are not as important in terms of establishing a visual relationship with any settlements.

The area is bound by the River Ayr Way. This formal path encourages active recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN.

The site has strong, robust and defensible boundaries on all sides. The area is bounded to the north by the Brockle Wood, to the west and south by the River Ayr, and to the east by the settlement boundary of Annbank.

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 44

Site Description This is a small area of land which is bounded to the north by the River Ayr/ unnamed access road, to the east by woodland cover, to the west by an unnamed access road and to the south by the B744. There are a number of features contained within the area including the River Ayr, working farms and mature woodland cover. The area is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence It is considered that the area does not prevent coalescence. Landscape The isolation and low lying nature of this area of landscape from settlement means that this area does Setting/ not play a role in contributing to green belt objectives in relation to landscape setting and identity of Identity towns at a strategic or local level. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber N/A. N/A Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The area is located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. It is therefore considered, to the from the perspective of the settlement strategy, that the retention of the southern part of this area as Settlement green belt designation is critical for the purposes of directing growth to the most appropriate Strategy locations. Boundary The area is bounded to the north by the River Ayr/ unnamed access road, to the east by woodland Features cover, to the west by an unnamed access road and to the south by the B744. The boundaries are therefore considered to be robust and tangible.

Protection & There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide access Access to to open space. Open Space & CSGN

Recommendation

There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide access to open space. The area also includes three non‐statutorily designated wildlife sites. This has a contribution to make in terms of the CSGN by allowing for the protection of habitat networks and presenting opportunities for integration with other wildlife designations.

The area is bounded to the north by the River Ayr/ unnamed access road, to the east by woodland cover, to the west by an unnamed access road and to the south by the B744. The boundaries are therefore considered to be robust and tangible.

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the area be retained as Green Belt. Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 45

Site Description This is a large area of land which immediately bounds the settlement boundary of Ayr. The area is bound to the west by the A77, to the south by a local access road and field lines, to the east by the field lines and to the River Ayr, and to the north by the B743.

There are a number of features contained within the area including working farms, mature woodland cover and local access roads.

The area is largely defined as the Lowlands River Valleys Ayrshire Lowlands although the northern part of the area is identified as being within the Ayrshire Lowlands.

The entire site is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The area does not prevent coalescence in any way. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Amber Contribution The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. However, a small settlement proportion of the northern part of the area falls within the proposed development site of planning strategy application 09/01416/PPPM, which is pending determination.

Protection The area is bound by the River Ayr way which encourages recreation. The farm trail local path and Access network is located within the area. to Open Space & contribution There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. to the However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the objectives of site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. the CSGN Boundary The area has a defensible boundary along its western boundary in the A77, and to the north the site is Features bound by the B743. The western and northern boundaries are therefore considered to be tangible and robust. The eastern and southern boundary does not follow any clearly identifiable distinctive features with the exception of a small part of the boundary which follows the River Ayr and a local access road.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Landscape Although the area is relatively flat, its setting makes the area visually prominent from a number of Setting/ different vantage points (particularly from the A77). The area also contributes to the landscape Identity setting/ identify of the locale as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of Ayr.

Recommendation

This area is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary and thus provides a rural setting for this part of the town. The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. However, it is important to stress that an application (09/01416/PPPM) for Planning Permission in Principle is pending determination at the northern part of this area

Although the area is relatively flat, its setting makes the area visually prominent from a number of different vantage points (particularly from the A77). The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identify of the locale as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. Accordingly, the area fulfils a central role in contributing to the identity/ setting of Ayr.

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 46

Site description The area is a long, narrow shaped piece of land, delineated by the River Ayr, a local access road and field lines. The area is located to the east of Ayr and to the southwest of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) at Auchincruive.

The area is defined as the Lowlands River Valleys.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area boundaries is located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. However, a small settlement proportion of the northern part of the area falls within the proposed development site of planning strategy application 09/01416/PPPM, which is pending determination.

Landscape The western part of the area has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately Setting/ adjacent to it. This part of the area helps to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between Identity the urban and rural area. However, the isolation of parts of this area of landscape from settlement means that the eastern part of the area does not play a role in contributing to landscape setting and identity of Ayr. Protection & The area is bound by the River Ayr way which encourages recreation, however there are no identified Access to local paths contained within the area. There is a wildlife site within the parcel which again Open Space contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives & CSGN and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt and all land beyond the area features boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Recommendation

The assessment has shown that although the area does not contribute to the prevention of coalescence, there are enough factors to suggest that this area should be retained as greenbelt.

The western part of the area has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately adjacent to it. This part of the area helps to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. However, the isolation of parts of this area of landscape from settlement means that the eastern part of the area does not play a role in contributing to landscape setting and identity of Ayr.

Although the area is bound by the River Ayr way which encourages recreation, there are no identified local paths contained within the area.

Given the above, it is considered that the area be retained as green belt; however, the area should be monitored to determine the area’s contribution to the settlement strategy.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 47

Site Description This is a vast, irregular area of land which is located to the north of the A70 and is generally delineated by the River Ayr. The site contains a number of features including working farms, the B744, local access roads, Belston Quarry, local burns and streams, and mature woodland cover.

The land to the west of the B744 is located within the designated green belt; whereas, the land located to the east of the B744 is located outwith the designated green belt.

The area is largely defined as the Ayrshire Lowlands although the northern part of the area is identified as being within the Lowlands River Valleys.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator None None. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ This landscape is not greatly visible from outside the area, and plays a limited role in views from Identity the A70 and the B744. It is therefore physically detached from the settlements, and has a limited local role in the functional relationship of the settlements and the landscape, although views allow wider surroundings to be appreciated. The landscape to the west of the area does however play a more significant role in contributing at a strategic scale by providing a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Coalescence There is a case to say that the site has a role to play in terms of coalescence between Ayr and Coylton. However, any development that took place to merge these two settlements is considered to be extremely unlikely at this stage given that SEA is well advanced in the planning process and the potential precedent that the development of this site could set. Nonetheless, from this perspective it is evident that this site has a role to play in directing development away from this area and to more appropriate locations. Boundary features The area is bound to the south by the A70 and the majority of the site is delineated by the River Ayr. There are, however, parts of the area which are bound by field lines which are considered to be weak green belt boundaries. Nonetheless the existing green belt, located to the west of this area, is bound to the east by the B744. Generally, the land within this area which is designated within the green belt has defensible and robust boundaries.

Protection & There are a number of cycle routes or pathways in an around the area which protect/ provide Access to Open access to open space. Space & CSGN There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution to The western part of this area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is the settlement currently located within the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing strategy growth’. Continuing to designate this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more appropriate locations. The eastern part of this area is located out with the green belt but located within the non‐preferred location for housing growth’.

Recommendation

This is a vast parcel of land which has different features contained within it. This makes it difficult to assess the site in its entirety.

The western part of this area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing to designate this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more appropriate locations. The eastern part of this area is located out with the green belt but located within the non‐preferred location for housing growth’.

This landscape is not greatly visible from outside the area, and plays a limited role in views from the A70 and the B744. It is therefore physically detached from the settlements, and has a limited local role in the functional relationship of the settlements and the landscape, although views allow wider surroundings to be appreciated. The landscape to the west of the area does however play a more significant role in contributing at a strategic scale by providing a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the land to the west of the B744 continues to be designated within the green belt; whereas, the land located to the east of the B744 continues to be located outwith the green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 48

Site description The area is a long, narrow shaped piece of land which is located immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary of Ayr. The area is bound to the west by the A77, to the south by the A70 and local access roads, to the east by local access roads and to the north by the River Ayr/ mature woodland.

The area is largely defined as the Ayrshire Lowlands although the northern part of the area is identified as being within the Lowlands River Valleys.

The area is identified as being located within the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape The western part of the area has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately Setting/ adjacent to it. This part of the area helps to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between Identity the urban and rural area. However, the isolation of parts of this area of landscape from settlement means that the eastern part of the area does not play a role in contributing to landscape setting and identity of Ayr. Protection & The Leglen Wood Local Cycle path runs through the area. This formal path encourages active Access to recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN. There is also a wildlife site within the Open Space parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of & CSGN other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability. Boundary The area is bound to the west by the A77, to the south by the A70 and local access roads, to the east features by local access roads and to the north by the River Ayr/ mature woodland.

Recommendation

The assessment has shown that although the area does not contribute to the prevention of coalescence, there are enough factors to suggest that this area should be retained as greenbelt.

The Leglen Wood Local Cycle path runs through the area. This formal path encourages active recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN. There is also a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN.

The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their delivery and marketability.

Given the above, it is considered that the area be retained as green belt; however, the area should be monitored to determine the area’s contribution to the settlement strategy.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 49

Site description This is a small area of land which lies immediately to the east of the Holmston roundabout. The area is bound to the west by the Holmston roundabout, to the north by field lines, to the south by the A70 and to the east by field lines. The area is relatively low lying and is located within the designated green belt

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Protection & The site has no designated footpaths or cycleways within its boundary and it does not contribute to Access to or contradict any of the CSGN objectives. Open Space & CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape The site has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately adjacent to it. The site helps Setting/ to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. However, the Identity site is a relatively low lying piece of land with no distinctive features. Boundary The area is bound to the west by the Holmston roundabout, to the north by field lines, to the south by features the A70 and to the east by field lines. The western and southern boundaries are considered to be strong and robust. While field lines are considered to be weak defensible boundaries, the land beyond the northern and eastern boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability.

Recommendation

The area is bound to the west by the Holmston roundabout, to the north by field lines, to the south by the A70 and to the east by field lines. The western and southern boundaries are considered to be strong and robust. While field lines are considered to be weak defensible boundaries, the land beyond the northern and eastern boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 50

Site description This is a small area of land which encompasses Dobbies Garden Centre. The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bound to the south by the A70, to the east by tree planting, and to the north and east by field lines/ tree planting.

The whole are is located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The area does not prevent coalescence in any way. Landscape The area encompasses Dobbies Garden Centre and therefore does not contain distinctive landscape Setting/ feature which would contribute to the landscape setting/ identity of Ayr. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The area is bound by the Oswald’s bridge to Old Toll local path which encourages recreation; however Access to there are no identified local paths contained within the site. Open Space & CSGN Boundary The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bound to the south by the A70, to the east by tree features planting, and to the north and east by field lines/ tree planting. The southern boundary is considered to be strong and robust. While field lines are considered to be weak defensible boundaries, the land beyond the northern, eastern and western boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

Recommendation

While the area does not contain distinctive landscape feature which would contribute to the landscape setting/ identity of neither Ayr, nor does is prevent coalescence in any way; The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is currently designated as green belt, thus directing potential development away from this area.

The area is relatively flat and low lying and is bound to the south by the A70, to the east by tree planting, and to the north and east by field lines/ tree planting. The southern boundary is considered to be strong and robust. While field lines are considered to be weak defensible boundaries, the land beyond the northern, eastern and western boundaries are located within the designated green belt.

The area is bound by the Oswald’s bridge to Old Toll local path which encourages recreation

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 51

Site description This is a vast irregularly shaped parcel of land which could be divided into several smaller sections for the purposes of conducting an assessment. The area currently comprises of predominantly agricultural land although there existing uses within the site including a holiday park and the Crematorium. The area is bound to the north by the A70, to the west by the A77, to the south by the A713 and to the east by the B742.

It is clear that different parts of the area will contain different features and will perform in a different manner. The entire area is not located within the designated green belt Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator - Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Coalescence There is a case to say that the site has a role to play in terms of coalescence between Ayr and Coylton. However, any development that took place to merge these two settlements is considered to be extremely unlikely at this stage given that SEA is well advanced in the planning process and the potential precedent that the development of this site could set. Nonetheless, from this perspective it is evident that this site has a role to play in directing development away from this area and to more appropriate locations. Sensitivity of Indicator - Green Contribution to The site is located within the ‘non-preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims the settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability. This housing growth strategy of the LDP is designed to align with the growth strategy of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and South Ayrshire Local Plan. The greenbelt within the SALP complements the housing growth strategy. SPP indicates that green belts should be used to guide strategic growth patterns, guiding development to certain locations and away from others. Given this LDP spatial strategy is designed to complement and assist the long-term delivery of the strategy, it is not considered that there is a need to change the greenbelt at this location. Landscape Setting/ The area comprises of the Ayrshire Lowlands with land lying between about 10 metres and 150 Identity metres. There is a gentle increase in height from the coastal fringe to the more abrupt transition to upland making the visually prominent from a number of different vantage points. The topography of the area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identify of the locale as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. It is recognised, however, that while the parcel, along the strip adjacent to the A77, clearly delineates between urban and rural, beyond this immediate strip, views of the settlement are limited, and, in most cases, the settlement cannot be seen. Therefore, while the site is not suitable for development – as set out in the LDP spatial strategy – they are not, for this reason, considered suitable for greenbelt coverage. Boundary features The area is bound to the north by the A70, to the west by the A77, to the south by the A713 and to the east by the B742 and these roads provide reasonable defensible boundaries to the parcel.

Recommendation

This is a vast area of land that has a number of different features due to its size. Given the link between the existing development plan, and the strategy of the emerging development plan, in terms of relationship between existing greenbelt coverage and housing growth. In terms of landscape setting of the settlement, this parcel is important in delineating the change from urban to rural, views of the settlement from the parcel are restricted, predominantly, to the immediate west edge of the parcel. The site generally doesn’t offer extensive views of the settlement edge from afar. The site should, therefore, not be altered to become greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 52

Site description This is a small, triangular shaped area of land which lies immediately to the east of Ayr. The area is bound by the A77 to the west, the A78 to the north, and a local access road and field lines to the east.

The area rises steeply from the Holmston roundabout towards the south of the area; however, the landform does level off towards the southernmost part of this area. The area is located within the Ayrshire Lowlands under the land assessment framework and is located within the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator - Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Protection and There are no formal footpaths or cycleways within the area. The site is generally inaccessible access to open and not conducive to recreational activities. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Coalescence The area does not prevent coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Boundary features The area is bound by the A77 to the west, the A78 to the north, and a local access road and field lines to the east. Sensitivity of Indicator - Green Contribution to The site is located within the ‘non-preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims the settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability. This housing growth strategy of the LDP is designed to align with the growth strategy of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and South Ayrshire Local Plan. The greenbelt within the SALP complements the housing growth strategy. SPP indicates that green belts should be used to guide strategic growth patterns, guiding development to certain locations and away from others. Given this LDP spatial strategy is designed to complement and assist the long-term delivery of the strategy, it is not considered that there is a need to change the greenbelt at this location. Landscape Setting/ The site has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately adjacent to it. The site Identity helps to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

This parcel has important viewpoints located within it. The viewpoints offer excellent views to Ayr from the immediate locality, but, due to its relatively small scale, does not offer wider views of the settlement. Some areas of the parcel are not as important in terms of establishing a visual relationship with any settlements. In the context of the assessment of Parcel 51, which is not recommended to be greenbelt, this site should similarly not be designated fro greenbelt.

Recommendation

This area is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary and thus provides a rural setting for this part of the town. The area has important viewpoints located within it which offer excellent views to Ayr and beyond. It makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is located within the ‘non-preferred location for housing growth’. However, given the link between the existing development plan, and the strategy of the emerging development plan, in terms of relationship between existing greenbelt coverage and housing growth. In terms of landscape setting of the settlement, this parcel is important in delineating the change from urban to rural, views of the settlement from the parcel are restricted, predominantly, to the immediate west edge of the parcel. The site generally doesn’t offer extensive views of the settlement edge from afar. The site should, therefore, not be altered to become greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 53

Site description This is a small area of land which lies immediately to the east of Ayr. The area is bound to the west by the A77, to the south by the A713 and to the east and north by a tree belt.

The area rises gently from the Bankfield roundabout towards the east of the area. The area is located within the Ayrshire Lowlands under the land assessment framework and is located within the designated green belt.

Sensitivity of Indicator - Green Contribution to The site is located within the ‘non-preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims the settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability. This housing growth strategy of the LDP is designed to align with the growth strategy of the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan and South Ayrshire Local Plan. The greenbelt within the SALP complements the housing growth strategy. SPP indicates that green belts should be used to guide strategic growth patterns, guiding development to certain locations and away from others. Given this LDP spatial strategy is designed to complement and assist the long-term delivery of the strategy, it is not considered that there is a need to change the greenbelt at this location. Landscape Setting/ The site has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately adjacent to it. The site Identity helps to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

Recommendation

This area is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary and thus provides a rural setting for this part of the town. The area makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is located within the ‘non- preferred location for housing growth’. This area is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary and thus provides a rural setting for this part of the town. The area has important viewpoints located within it which offer excellent views to Ayr and beyond. It makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is located within the ‘non-preferred location for housing growth’. However, given the link between the existing development plan, and the strategy of the emerging development plan, in terms of relationship between existing greenbelt coverage and housing growth. In terms of landscape setting of the settlement, this parcel is important in delineating the change from urban to rural, views of the settlement from the parcel are restricted, predominantly, to the immediate west edge of the parcel. The site generally doesn’t offer extensive views of the settlement edge from afar. The site should, therefore, not be altered to become greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 56

Site description This is a small parcel of land comprising a series of large industrial buildings, some of which are now vacant. Part of the site is currently used for a kart racing facility and as a motorcycle test centre. The site is essentially a brownfield site. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Landscape This parcel is not located adjacent to any settlements and has no visual relationship with setting/identity settlements in the surrounding area and therefore makes no contribution to providing settlements with an identity or setting. Coalescence The parcel does not function as an area which prevents coalescence. Protection & This parcel does not contain any formal paths or cycle routes for recreational purposes. There is Access to Open almost no open space within the site as it is a brownfield site. There is a football pitch located to the Space & CSGN northwest of the site which presents recreational opportunities, however, this is located outwith the parcel’s boundary. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution to The site is not located within the green belt at present, is not located within the NPLFHG or a the Settlement preferred location for housing growth. Strategy Boundary The site is bound by a road which runs along the boundary of the industrial site. The only exception features to this is an area of land on the north western part of the site which does not appear to follow any readily identifiable feature. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green

Recommendation

This site clearly scores badly in terms of it being considered for green belt designation. The site is clearly a brownfield site at presents which supports some ad‐hoc businesses. Whilst the fact that the site is developed does not translate that it cannot be designated as green belt, the remaining scores as indicated above suggest that it is not worth giving this site any further consideration in light of what the functions of a green belt should be.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 60

Site description This is a small parcel of land located immediately adjacent to Mosshill Industrial Estate. The site comprise of three small agricultural fields, an industrial unit and two residential properties. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Landscape This parcel is not located adjacent to any settlements and has no visual relationship with setting/identity settlements in the surrounding area and therefore makes no contribution to providing settlements with an identity or setting. Coalescence The parcel does not function as an area which prevents coalescence. Protection & This parcel does not contain any formal paths or cycle routes for recreational purposes. The site Access to Open consists of agricultural fields. Space & CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution to The site is not located within the green belt at present, is not located within the NPLFHG or a the Settlement preferred location for housing growth. Strategy Boundary The site is bound by a road on two sides and by a small burn on two sides. It is considered that the features small burn does not offer a robust boundary due to its size. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green

Recommendation

This site clearly scores badly in terms of it being considered for green belt designation. The site does not fulfil the necessary criteria to be considered as a green belt site and as such it is recommended that this site continues to outwith the green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 61

Site description This is a relatively large parcel of land located to the west of the A713. It is bound along the western and southern boundaries by a rail line and to the east by the South Ayrshire settlement boundary. The site comprises of a series of agricultural fields and is located wholly outwith the existing greenbelt.

In terms of the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment the site is identified as being within the Ayrshire Lowlands. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Landscape This parcel is not located adjacent to any settlements and has a limited visual relationship with setting/identity settlements within the surrounding locality. The site does not provide a landscape setting for any settlements and as such has been attributed with a red score. Coalescence The parcel does not function as an area which prevents coalescence. Protection & This parcel does not contain any formal path or cycle routes and does not clearly encourage Access to Open opportunities to access the site for recreational purposes. There is generally poor connectivity Space & CSGN through the site and it does little in temrs of making a contribution towards the goals of the CSGN. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution to This site is wholly located outwith the current green belt designation, however, part of the site is the Settlement located within the non‐preferred location for housing growth. If this part of the site remains Strategy outwith the green belt designation, it will continue to have a lower level of protection than those sites within the green belt thereby making it easier to develop. Whilst bearing in mind that the purpose of the green belt is not to prevent development but to direct development to more appropriate locations, in practice in can perform this function. An amber scoring has been applied as, if the part of the site which is within the NPLFHG was designated as green belt it would make a stronger contribution to the settlement strategy. The majority of the parcel is outwith the NPLFHG and therefore the site has not been scored as red. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Boundary The site is bound to the south and west by a rail line, to the east by the South Ayrshire settlement features boundary which follows the Purclewan Burn, the B742 and the A713. The northern boundary of the site runs along a small localised road, to the south of the Ayr Equitation Centre

Recommendation

The site does not score well in terms of being considered for green belt designation. The site has little or no contribution to make in terms of creating a landscape setting or providing settlements with an identity, it has no role to play in terms of coalescence and presents little opportunities for recreation.

A small section of the site could make a contribution towards the settlement strategy if it was designated as green belt as it is within the NPLFHG. However, this area of land does not have any readily identifiable features which could be used to create defensible boundaries. One of the main features of a green belt is that it should provide robust defensible boundaries and it is therefore recommended that this parcel of land remains out with the green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 62/63

Site description This is a long, narrow strip of land located to the southeast of Ayr. The site is made up of agricultural fields and the Ayr Equitation Centre. Access to the site can be taken via the A713 and a small unmarked road.

The site is located immediately adjacent to the south east Ayr long term housing site and on the opposite side of the A713 from the Mosshill Industrial Estate.

The map which provides the parcels of land with a number indicates that this site is numbered both 62 and 63. For clarification, this assessment will cover both of these sites. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Landscape The site has no visual relationship with a settlement, does not provide any settlements with an Setting/ identity and is not important in any views to or from the site. Identity Coalescence The parcel does not function as an area which prevents coalescence. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Contribution The parcel is not within the NPLFHG or any of the preferred search areas. It has no role to play in to the terms of directing growth to the most appropriate locations and does not make a contribution to the settlement settlement strategy. strategy Protection & The site contains the Ayr Equitation Centre and therefore presents opportunities for recreation. Access to However, there are no formal path networks within the site and it does little in terms of contributing Open Space to the goals of the CSGN. & CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Boundary The site has strong, robust and defensible boundaries on all sides. A local road bounds the south, features west and east of the parcel and there is a thick tree line/hedge line which bounds the northern part of the site.

Recommendation

This site is a small area of land and although it has strong boundary features it is considered that this site would not play an important role in terms of making a contribution towards the green belt.

The site is not located adjacent to any settlements and it would be illogical to designate this site as green belt given its location and in terms of how it would meet with what the functions of a green belt are considered to be at a national level.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 64

Site description This is a large parcel of land located to the east of the A77 between the major housing release site at south east Ayr and Auchendrane Estate. The site contains a number of farms and is located within the greenbelt with the exception of a small area of land on the south eastern corner of the site.

The site is largely defined as the Ayrshire Lowlands although the southern part of the site is identified as being within the Lowlands River Valleys. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The national byway runs through a large part of the site, following a road along the eastern boundary Access to of the site. This encourages active recreation and therefore contributes to the goals of the CSGN. Open Space There is also an isolated wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of & CSGN the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Coalescence There is a case to say that the site has a role to play in terms of coalescence between Ayr and Dalrymple. However, any development that took place to merge these two settlements is considered to be extremely unlikely at this stage given that SEA is well advanced in the planning process and the potential precedent that the development of this site could set. Nonetheless, from this perspective it is evident that this site has a role to play in directing development away from this area and to more appropriate locations. Landscape The site provides a setting in that it operates as a clear distinction between the urban and rural area Setting/ on the approach to Ayr along the A77 from the south. It has a limited visual relationship with the Identity town as it is a relatively low lying area of land which rises gently from west to east in general.

In terms of providing a landscape setting/identity for a settlement it is considered that the southern part of the site does not achieve this as it is not visible from either Ayr or Dalrymple. It also does not provide the same separation between the urban and rural area that the northern part of the site provides. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’ with the exception of a settlement small area to the south east of the site. One of the main aims of the strategy is to protect land around strategy the major housing release sites in order to ensure their delivery and marketability. This site is located immediately adjacent to the SEA site and maintaining its designation as greenbelt helps to direct development away from this location, thus offering some protection to the SEA site. Boundary With the exception of the south‐eastern boundary, the site has strong, robust and defensible features boundaries. The western part of the site is bound by the A77, the eastern part of the site is bound by a railway line, the north by an unnamed road and the south by the River Doon. As state there is an area of land within the site which is not designated as being within the greenbelt. The greenbelt boundary at this area is marked by a field line which does not offer a robust, defensible boundary to the greenbelt edge. It is considered that this should be reviewed to ensure that the greenbelt has adequate boundaries.

Recommendation

It is evident from the assessment that this site has a number of strong characteristics which suggest that it should be retained as greenbelt. It encourages active travel, healthy living, it fulfils a role in terms of the setting of Ayr by providing a clear indication of urban and rural areas and it could be argued that it has a role to play in preventing coalescence in the long term.

However the south eastern part does not offer a robust boundary. It is suggested at this stage that the boundary could be adjusted so that the south‐eastern boundary is defined by the River Doon and the railway line which would offer a robust defensible boundary. This would strengthen the overall performance of the site in terms of meeting the objectives of what should constitute a greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 66

Site description This is a vast irregularly shaped parcel of land which contains the Newark Hill. The vast majority of the site is currently located outwith the designated green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection and The site is bound to the west by the national cycle route, however, there are no formal access to open footpaths or cycleways within the site. The site is generally inaccessible and not conducive to space/contribution recreational activities. to CSGN objectives Boundary features The site has weak, defensible boundaries on 3 sides. There are no obvious features which the northern, southern and eastern boundaries of the site follow, although it may be field lines. Field lines are not considered to be the robust defensible boundaries which are considered necessary to bound a greenbelt boundary.

The south‐western part of the site is however bounded by a road which offers a strong defensible boundary which is easily identifiable on the ground.

Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Landscape This parcel has a viewpoint located within it. The viewpoint offers excellent views to the north, Setting/ Identity overlooking Ayr and Prestwick and extending further up the coast to Troon and beyond depending on visibility. The Carrick Hills are visible from numerous areas throughout Ayr and this site is important in this regard as it provides clear delineation between the urban and rural areas and provides the Carrick Hills with a natural setting when viewed from the north and when looking out from the Carrick Hills. Contribution to The area is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the the settlement site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area also has an strategy important role in controlling future urban expansion and also aiding the delivery of the major release site at Greenan.

Recommendation

The site forms part of the Coastal Headland landscape character area. The land generally rises in an east to west direction. Although there are several peaks within the site, the high point of the parcel is 205m AOD.

It is evident that a large proportion of the site is particularly important in terms of views to and from Ayr and Prestwick and therefore the site has a visual relationship with these settlements. Parts of the site can be seen from many locations within Ayr and the site helps to provide a clear distinction between the urban and rural area, providing a setting for many parts of the town.

The area is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area also has an important role in controlling future urban expansion and also aiding the delivery of the major release site at Greenan.

While the site has weak defensible boundaries on 3 sides, the south‐western part of the site is bounded by a road which offers a strong defensible boundary which is easily identifiable on the ground.

It is suggested that the boundary could be adjusted to offer a more defensible boundary. This would strengthen the overall performance of the site and ensure that the green belt boundaries are clearly identifiable on the ground. It is therefore recommended that the area be reviewed to establish whether there is merit in designating this area, or parts of it, within the green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 67

Site description This is a vast irregularly shaped parcel of land with a small section of the site located within the existing green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site has no contribution to make in terms of preventing coalescence. It is not located directly adjacent to or between any settlements. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Setting/ The site has a limited visual relationship with Ayr in that small sections of it are visible from Identity within the settlement. The area does, however, provide a setting for an urban area on the approach along the B7024 from the south. Boundary features The site is bound by a number of different features including roads, a river, field lines, and in some instances there is not clearly identifiable defining feature. There are three small areas of designated greenbelt contained within this parcel. The largest parcel is bound by the B7024 which acts as a robust boundary, the smallest parcel to the south is also bound by the B7024, whilst the other parcel is bound by field lines. It is considered that field lines do not act as a robust boundary for a greenbelt as they can be easily altered.

The boundaries at the western part of the site are defensible and easily identifiable on the ground. It is recommended that this area be considered for inclusion within the green belt to ensure defensible and robust boundaries. Protection and The site is bound to the west by the national cycle route, however, there are no formal access to open footpaths or cycleways within the site. space/contribution to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution to The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located the settlement within the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. It strategy therefore makes a contribution in terms of deterring development from this location and thereby directing it to more appropriate locations (in particular the South East Ayr and Greenan).

Recommendation

It is evident from the assessment that this site has a number of strong characteristics which suggest that it should be considered as being designated as green belt . It encourages active travel, healthy living, and it fulfils a role in terms of the setting of Ayr by providing a clear indication of urban and rural areas.

The site also has a role to play in supporting the settlement strategy as designating as greenbelt would ensure that development is directed to other more appropriate locations.

There are however parts of the site which so well on its own. Consideration needs to be given the boundaries of this site, in particular the western boundary, as large portions of the southern boundary of the existing green belt do not follow any obvious features.

It is suggested at this stage that the boundary could be adjusted to offer a more defensible boundary. This would strengthen the overall performance of the site and ensure that the green belt boundaries are clearly identifiable on the ground.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 68

Site description This site is located to the south of Ayr on the eastern side of the B7024. The site is bound by the B7024 to the east, a small unnamed road to the south and by no clearly defined, defensible features to the east and north. The entire site is located within the adopted greenbelt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. It is not located immediately adjacent to any settlements and therefore performs no function in this regard. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape The site has a limited visual relationship with Ayr in that small sections of it are visible from within the Setting/ settlement. The area does, however, provide a setting for an urban area on the approach along the Identity B7024 from the south. Boundary The site has strong defensible boundaries on two sides and weak boundaries on the other two sides. features It is suggested that this site is merged with site 65 for the purposes of this assessment as they are immediately adjacent and contain similar features. Site 65 has a stronger eastern boundary delineated by the A77. However the northern side of both sites has a weak boundary which does not appear to follow any obvious features. Protection & There are no cycle routes or pathways in an around the site. The site comprises of a series of Access to agricultural fields and is generally inaccessible. However, there is a wildlife site located within the site Open Space which runs along the River Doon and follows a group of trees extending the western part of the site. & CSGN This has a contribution to make in terms of the CSGN by allowing for the protection of habitat networks and presenting opportunities for integration with other wildlife designations. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. It therefore makes a settlement contribution in terms of deterring development from this location and thereby directing it to more strategy appropriate locations.

Recommendation

It is evident from the assessment that both sites (parcels 65 & 68) have a number of strong characteristics which suggest that they should be retained as green belt. They encourage active travel, healthy living, and it fulfils a role in terms of the setting of Ayr by providing a clear indication of urban and rural areas.

The sites also has a role to play in supporting the settlement strategy as retaining as greenbelt would ensure that development is directed to other more appropriate locations.

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 70

Site description The area is roughly rectangular in shape, and its western boundary is defined by a track, which forms part of the National Cycle Route. There is existing housing to the north and south of the site.

The area, comprises undulating agricultural fields, that generally rise from the north eastern part of the area in a southerly and westerly direction. There are field boundaries and tree lines running across the site.

The area is roughly rectangular in shape, and its western boundary is defined by a track, which forms part of the National Cycle Route. There is existing housing to the north and south of the site.

The area is located outwith the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Contribution The area has already been developed as a residential development site and therefore does not to the contribute to the settlement strategy of the area. settlement strategy Landscape While the area is visible from Dunure Road, the area has been developed for residential purposes and Setting/ therefore does not contribute to the landscape setting/ identity of Ayr. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The area is bound by both the National Byways Cycle path and the Maybole to Dunure Local Path Access to Network. The area also contains a wildlife site Open Space & CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Boundary The area is roughly rectangular in shape, and its western boundary is defined by a track, which forms features part of the National Cycle Route. There is existing housing to the north and south of the site. The areas boundaries are therefore considered to be tangible and robust.

Recommendation

The area has already been developed as a residential development site and therefore does not contribute to the settlement strategy of the area. In addition, the area does not contribute to the prevention of coalescence, nor does it contribute to the landscape setting of Ayr.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the area remains outwith the designated green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 71

Site description This site is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary, to the south west of the settlement and directly adjacent to the coastline. The site consists of two fields which are used for agricultural purposes.

The site is located wholly within the green belt at present. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. Although it is located adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary, it does not prevent coalescence with any other settlements. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Boundary The parcel has one robust, defensible boundary; the southern one which follows a road. The other features boundaries are a mixture of paths and field lines which are not easily identifiable. Protection and There is a car park and path along the eastern boundary of the site which provides for access to the access to open foreshore. Sustrans National Cycle Route number 7 runs along the southern boundary of the site. space and However, the majority of the site is made up of an agricultural field. CSGN Landscape Although the site is located immediately adjacent to the Ayr settlement boundary, it is considered setting/identity that the site does not play a role in providing the settlement with a setting or identity. However, it is also considered that if the site were to be developed it would become more prominent in views from the north and could potentially lead to the deterioration, in visual terms, of the coastline in this area. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Contribution to The site is located within both the green belt and the NPLFHG and as such clearly fulfils one of the the settlement roles of the green belt by directing development away from this location and towards other, more strategy appropriate locations.

Recommendation

This site is currently within the greenbelt. The assessment above has revealed that the site does not satisfy most of the key functions which should be attributed to a green belt, with the exception of its contribution towards the settlement strategy.

Despite the relatively average scoring for this it is considered that it has a role to play in terms of directing development away from this area to more appropriate locations. The site is important in that it is located immediately adjacent to the foreshore where any development would be likely to be detrimental to the coastline, in visual terms.

It is considered that this site continues to be of some relevance in terms of a contribution towards the functions of a green belt and it is therefore recommended that the site should continue to be designated as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 72

Site description This parcel is an irregularly shaped piece of narrow land.

The site is located to the south of Ayr and part of it borders the settlement boundary. There are a number of features contained within the site including a section of the River Doon, a residential area at Nether Auchendrane and some agricultural holdings.

The site is located within the greenbelt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The site has no designated footpaths or cycleways within its boundary and it does not contribute to Access to or contradict any of the CSGN objectives. The site does contain a wildlife site Open Space & CSGN There is a wildlife site within the parcel which again contributes, in part to the goals of the CSGN. However the CSGN has a number of other objectives and therefore it cannot be concluded that the site strongly contributes to the vision and goals of the CSGN. Landscape The site has a limited visual relationship with Ayr in that small sections of it are visible from within the Setting/ settlement and it provides a setting for an urban area on the approach along the A77 from the south. Identity However, the site is almost entirely screened from the A77 by a line of trees. Boundary The site is bound by a number of different features including the River Doon, the A77 and some field features lines. However, for the majority of the site it is unclear what the boundaries of this parcel are following and in some instances it is apparent that it is not following any features. It is considered that this parcel of land should be reviewed.

There are two small areas of land contained within this parcel which are not within the adopted green belt. It is suggested that since neither of these areas of green belt have clearly defined, identifiable robust boundaries they should be reviewed. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. Continuing to designate settlement this site as green belt ensures that development is directed away from this location and to more strategy appropriate locations. A small section of the parcel is out with both the green belt and the non‐ preferred location for housing growth.

Recommendation

The assessment has shown that although the site does not contribute to the prevention of coalescence that there are enough factors to suggest that this site should be retained as a greenbelt site. There are two small pockets of land within the parcel which are not designated as green belt. The green belt boundary at these locations should be reviewed in order to provide the green belt with an identifiable, robust boundary.

Although the site does not contain any formal paths of cycle routes, there is a section of the River Doon within the site and this can accommodate some recreational activities. A wildlife site designation is located along the banks of the River Doon which contributes to the CSGN objectives.

Overall it is considered that the site has a role to play in terms of directing development to more appropriate locations in accordance with the spatial strategy of the LDP and that it should therefore be retained as green belt. However, green belt boundary at these locations should be reviewed in order to provide the green belt with an identifiable, robust boundary.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 73

Site description This is a vast irregularly shaped parcel of land with a small section of the site located within the existing green belt.

Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in anyway. Although it is located immediately adjacent to Ayr, it does not provide a buffer between any other settlement and therefore performs no function in this regard. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Boundary features The site has strong boundary features to its north, east and west, where it is bound by roads and a clearly defined cycle path. The southern part of the site is bound by few obvious features other than tree lines and partly by the B7024. There is an area of greenbelt land located within this parcel, part of which does not follow any obvious feature acting as a defensible boundary. It is recommended that this area of greenbelt be reviewed to ensure that all areas of greenbelt are defined by defensible and robust boundaries. Protection and The site is bound by an established pathway to the east and to the north and west by the access to open national cycle route. However, there are no formal footpaths or cycle routes within the site space/contribution itself. to CSGN objectives Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green Landscape The majority of the site has a visual relationship with nearby residential areas, particularly the Setting/ Identity eastern part of the site.

The site rises steeply towards the south and west as it nears the peak of the Carrick Hills. This sharp rise in the land is one of the key aspects of this area of land which helps to provide a setting for the southern part of Ayr. The Carrick Hills are visible from numerous areas throughout Ayr and this site is important in this regard as it provides clear delineation between the urban and rural areas and provides the Carrick Hills with a natural setting when viewed from the north and when looking out from the Carrick Hills. Contribution to The area is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the the settlement site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area also has an strategy important role in controlling future urban expansion and also aiding the delivery of the major release site at Greenan.

Recommendation

The landscape has a rural character and is highly visible. The area is also visually prominent from a number of different vantage points. The area also contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area.

The area is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area also has an important role in controlling future urban expansion and also aiding the delivery of the major release site at Greenan. The area plays a limited role in the connectivity between open spaces within and around settlements.

The site is bound by an established pathway to the east and to the north and west by the national cycle route. The area also has strong defensible boundaries which would fulfil the green belt requirements as set out in SPP.

It is therefore recommended that the area be reviewed to establish whether there is merit in designating this area, or parts of it, within the green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 75

Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Landscape Parts of the site are visible from Ayr and Prestwick depending upon the weather. The views up to this Setting/ area from Ayr in particular can be impressive and also help to provide a setting for Greenan Castle. Identity However, the site is not always visible due to weather conditions and depending upon the viewpoint within Ayr and Prestwick. Boundary The site has strong, defensible boundaries on its northern and southern edges. The western edge of features the site is bound by a small local path and the eastern boundary does not appear to follow any obvious feature. Protection The site is bound by two local paths and cycle route 7 which encourages recreation, however there and access to are no identified local paths contained within the site. open space and CSGN Contribution The site is not located within a preferred search area for housing growth and is not located within a to the ‘non preferred location for housing growth’. Designating this site within the greenbelt for the settlement purposes of directing development to the most appropriate locations may be useful in terms of the strategy delivery of Greenan. However, it is considered that there is not enough evidence to suggest that the designation of this site as greenbelt would achieve this. Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None

Recommendation

This site is not currently located within the greenbelt and it is apparent that the site does not make a significant contribution to the established objectives for a greenbelt. The most important aspects of the site are in terms of the landscape setting it provides for Ayr both in terms of views to and from the town and in terms of the role of this area of land as you approach Ayr from the south. In this regard, this area of land is important for maintaining a clear distinction between urban and rural areas.

The site also makes a visual contribution in terms of providing a backdrop for the nearby Greenan Castle especially when viewed from Ayr and, to a lesser extent, Prestwick.

The site rises from the A77 to the south of the site at approximately 50m AOD to the north east of the site at 79m AOD and forms part of the raised beach coastal area as defined in the Ayrshire Landscape Character Assessment.

It is considered that this site does not fulfil the aims and objectives of a green belt to such an extent as to consider it for inclusion within the greenbelt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 76

Site description This is a small area of land which contains an identified housing site which is yet to be built. The site lies immediately to the south of Ayr and is bound by Doonholm Road to the north, the A77 to the east and to the south by tree lines, hedge lines and the River Doon.

The site is located within the Lowlands River Valleys and the Ayrshire Lowlands under the land assessment framework. The site is relatively low lying, peaking at a height of approximately 30m AOD. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The site has no designated footpaths or cycleways within its boundary and it does not contribute to Access to or contradict any of the CSGN objectives. Open Space & CSGN Landscape The site has a visual relationship with Ayr in that it is located immediately adjacent to it. The site helps Setting/ to provide a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area. However, the Identity site is a relatively low lying piece of land with no distinctive features and which will be affected by the housing site identified for development on the same side of Doonholm Road. Boundary The site has a defensible boundary along its eastern boundary in the A77, to the north, the site is features bound by Doonholm Road. The western and southern boundary does not follow any clearly identifiable distinctive features with the exception of a small part of the boundary which follows the River Doon. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The site makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy in that it is currently located within the to the greenbelt and it is fully within the ‘non‐preferred location for housing growth’. One of the main aims settlement of the strategy is to protect land around the major housing release sites in order to ensure their strategy delivery and marketability. This site is located on the opposite side of the A77 to the SEA site and maintaining its designation as greenbelt helps to direct development away from this location, thus offering some protection to the SEA site.

Recommendation

It is therefore considered that this site, in general, continues to be relevant in terms of the aims and objectives which should be fulfilled by a green belt and should be retained as green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 77

Site description This area is located primarily to the south‐east of Alloway/ Ayr, rising to its northern boundary. The area includes a newly erected residential development and is bounded by housing and a tree belt to the west, a former railway line to the north, Doonholm Road to the south and the A77 trunk road to the east. Part of the area is highly prominent, rising to the north where there is a tree belt and Listed Wildlife Site

The area is located outwith the designated green belt. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not prevent coalescence in any way. Contribution The area has already been developed as a residential development site and therefore does not to the contribute to the settlement strategy of the area. settlement strategy Landscape While the area is visible from the A77 trunk road, the area has been developed for residential Setting/ purposes and therefore does not contribute to the landscape setting/ identity of Ayr. Identity Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The area is bound by both the National Byways Cycle path and the Maybole to Dunure Local Path Access to Network. The area also contains a wildlife site Open Space & CSGN Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Boundary The area includes a newly erected residential development and is bounded by housing and a tree belt features to the west, a former railway line to the north, Doonholm Road to the south and the A77 trunk road to the east. The areas boundaries are therefore considered to be tangible and robust.

Recommendation

Accordingly, it is recommended that the area remains outwith the designated green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 78

Site description This is an L‐shaped parcel of land which is currently designated as being within the adopted green belt. The site is located around the large housing release site at Greenan and is located immediately adjacent to the south west of the Ayr settlement boundary.

The site is located on the coastline and contains some residential properties. It is located to the immediate east of the Craig Tara Holiday Park. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The parcel does not function as an area which prevents the coalescence of two settlements. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Protection & The site contains a path, dirt road which is designated as part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route Access to number 7. The site therefore encourages opportunities for recreation through a route which connects Open Space on to the A719. & CSGN In terms of the CSGN, the site helps to create a high quality setting for residential parts of Ayr and forms part of a strategic cycle route. Boundary This parcel does have some robust, identifiable boundary features. The western edge of the site is features bound by a tree/hedge line which is identifiable, although not robust in some parts; the northern edge of the site follows the coastline and is therefore relatively robust; the southern part of the site is bound by the A719 and the eastern section is bound by the housing release site. Sensitivity of Indicator – Green Contribution The site is located within the NPLFHG and therefore makes a clear contribution to the settlement to the strategy by directing development to more appropriate locations. settlement strategy Landscape This parcel of land can be seen from several points within Ayr and the surrounding area. It offers Setting/ views from Ayr beach, on the A77 at the approach to the Dutch House Roundabout and from Seafield Identity Road. It provides a setting for the town and presents one of the most important views for Ayr.

Recommendation

The site clearly has a contribution to make in terms of meeting the identified functions that a green belt should fulfil. It is a particularly important site in terms of providing Ayr with an identity and setting and provides important views from key locations such as travelling south along the A77 on the approach to the Dutch House Roundabout.

The site also makes a clear contribution to the settlement strategy as it is located within the green belt at present and helps in terms of directing development away from this area to more appropriate locations. It also helps in terms of directing development away from the nearby housing release site at Greenan which will ensure that the Greenan site is not undermined.

This site has a clear role to play in terms of what a green belt should do and it is therefore recommended that this remains wholly within the green belt.

Green Belt Area Assessment Proforma

Area reference 79

Site description This parcel of land is located immediately adjacent to the coast line to the south west of Ayr. The site is largely developed, consisting of a holiday park containing several facilities including static caravans and leisure facilities.

The site is a useful economic resource for the area, attracting numerous visitors to the area, particularly over the summer months. Green Belt Functionality Indicators Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Red Functionality Commentary Indicator Coalescence The site does not contribute to coalescence in any way. It is not located immediately adjacent to any settlements and therefore performs no function in this regard.

Landscape The site has no visual relationship with any settlements and does not provide any settlements with setting/identity an identity. Looking south from Ayr, the site is largely hidden due to the Heads of Ayr, meaning that the site is not important from a landscape perspective. Sensitivity of Indicator – Amber Boundary The site has a strong, defensible boundary to the south in the A719. The boundary to the east features follows a hedge line which has gaps in places, the western boundary does not appear to follow any obvious features and the northern boundary follows the coastline. Protection and The site is bound to the south by Sustrans National Cycle Route number 7 and the National Byway. access to open There is also an identified local path which runs through the length of the site, connecting the A719 space and to the foreshore. CSGN Contribution to The site is not located within the green belt or the NPLFHG. Its designation as green belt would the settlement make no contribution to the settlement strategy. strategy Sensitivity of Indicator ‐ Green None

Recommendation

The site is not currently located within the green belt and it is evident that it would not make a significant contribution to the green belt if it was to be included within the designation. The site performs poorly in terms of coalescence and landscape setting/identity and has weak boundaries in some locations.

Taking into account the scoring attributed to this site and the potential contribution this site could make to the green belt, it is recommended that this site continues to remain out with the green belt.

Appendix E

South Ayrshire Council Proposed Local Development Plan – Green belt update

Parcels Requiring Further Consideration

Green Belt Update

Parcels Requiring Further Consideration

Annbank/ Mossblown

The eastern area (parcels 41 & 42) of the designated green belt at Annbank/ Mossblown has been identified as an area which requires further consideration as there are concerns that both parcels have a limited role to play in meeting the objectives of the South Ayrshire green belt update. The map (appendix 1) identifies the extent of the existing green belt at this area.

Considerations

Parcel 41

The western part of the area provides a setting in that it operates as a clear distinction between the urban and rural area on the approach to Ayr along the B743 from the Mossblown. The western area also provides a setting which operates as a clear distinction between the urban and rural area when approaching Mossblown from Annbank, and vice verse, along the B742. It is therefore concluded that the western part of parcel 41 has a number of strong characteristic in respect of green belt objectives,

Conversely, the eastern part of the parcel (land located to the east of the B742) does not perform particularly well. The eastern part of parcel 41 does not provide a setting/ identity to the urban core of South Ayrshire (in particular the towns of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon), extends beyond the settlements of Mossblown and Annbank and is not intervisible.

Furthermore, the eastern part of the parcel is located a significant distance away from Ayr and has no impact upon how urban growth is managed. It is unlikely that development would extend beyond the east of Mossblown and Annbank; however, should this occur it would be highly unlikely that development at this location would have a visual impact on South Ayrshire.

Accordingly, the eastern part of the boundary plays a limited role in fulfilling the objectives of PSALDP update and the boundary is to be adjusted to run along the B742 which would offer a robust defensible boundary. This would strengthen the overall performance of the area in terms of meeting the objectives of what should constitute a greenbelt.

Parcel 42

Parcel 42 rises steeply from the River Ayr to the settlement edge of Annbank. The parcel has a very limited role to play in terms of landscape setting/ identity due to the topography and landform of the area. Accordingly, the parcel plays a limited role in fulfilling the objectives of PSALDP update and should be completely removed from the green belt.

Conclusion

The above assessment concludes that parts of the designated green belt at Annbank/ Mossblown have a limited role to play in fulfilling the objectives of PSALDP update. Amendments are proposed to both parcels 41 & 42 and the map (appendix 2) identifies the redefined green belt boundaries.

South of Ayr

Parts of the area (parcels 64,65,66,67,68,72,73 & 76) are located within the designated green belt south of Ayr. The full extent of the existing green belt at this location is detailed in Appendix 4. This area has been identified as one which requires further consideration as there are concerns that a number of these parcels have weak boundaries. There are also parcels located within this area which are not designated as green belt but there is a strong case that they has a role to play in meeting the objectives of the South Ayrshire green belt update.

Considerations

Parcels 66, 67 & 73

The majority of the south‐western part of this area is not located within the designated green belt (parcels 66, 67 & 73). The south‐western part of this area is characterised by strong defensible boundaries including roads and a clearly defined cycle path. However, large portions of the southern boundary of the existing green belt do not follow any obvious features which act as defensible boundaries. In this regard, there is merit in considering the inclusion of the south‐ western part of this area (parcels 66, 67 & 73) within the designated green belt to ensure that the green belt boundaries of this area are clearly identifiable on the ground.

The south western part of this area is visually prominent from a number of different vantage points and contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core as it provides a setting by acting as a clear delineation between the urban and rural area (particularly when approaching Ayr along the A719). It is important to note that, following the South Ayrshire Local Plan Inquiry, the Reporters conclude that the site (land in and around Burton Farm) forms an important part of the landscape setting of the southern part of Ayr. The Reporters considered that greenfield nature of the site meant that it served to control the growth of the built‐up area and served to preserve the character of this part of Ayr and has a strong greenbelt role. The Reporters recommend that the site at Burton Farm be not identified for development in SALP but that the extent and line of the greenbelt should be reviewed. Accordingly, given the area contributes to the landscape setting/ identity of the urban core and that Reporters have previously considered that there was merit in reviewing the extent and boundary of the green belt, there is merit in considering the inclusion of the south‐western part of this area (particularly parcels 66 & 73) within the designated green belt.

In addition, the south western part of this area (parcels 66, 67 & 73) is not located within any preferred search areas for residential development and the site is not located within a non‐preferred location for housing growth. The area (parcels 66, 67 & 73) also has an important role in managing future urban expansion by ensuring that any urban growth is directed to more appropriate locations.

Parcel 64

This area has a number of strong characteristics which suggest that it should be retained as greenbelt. It encourages active travel, healthy living, it fulfils a role in terms of the setting of Ayr by providing a clear indication of urban and rural areas and it could be argued that it has a role to play in preventing coalescence in the long term.

However the south eastern part of the area has a weak boundary. Accordingly, by adjusting this boundary so that it was defined by the River Doon and the railway line would offer a robust defensible boundary. This would strengthen the overall performance of the site in terms of meeting the objectives of what should constitute a greenbelt.

Conclusion

The above assessment concludes that the south of Ayr outer green belt boundaries are weak and therefore there is merit in the green belt being pulled back to strengthen the overall performance of the area in terms of meeting the objectives of the PSALDP green belt. Amendments are proposed to the green belt and the map (appendix 5) identifies the redefined green belt boundaries.

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South Ayrshire Council Proposed Local Development Plan

Existing & Proposed South Ayrshire Local Development Plan Green Belt

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