EAST COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: 11 JUNE 2020

Report by the Depute Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer

Economy and Skills

SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDANCE - PLACE PLANS FOR NEW AND DALRYMPLE, HOLLYBUSH AND SKELDON

PURPOSE OF REPORT

1. To request that the Executive Committee approve the proposed statutory supplementary guidance for and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon and to seek authorisation to proceed with arrangements to adopt the guidance.

RECOMMENDATIONS

2. It is recommended that Executive Management Committee agrees:

(i) To approve the statutory supplementary guidance for New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon as part of the Local Development Plan (EALDP);

(ii) To adopt the submitted supplementary guidance unless Scottish Ministers direct otherwise;

(iii) To note the significant contribution of the Place Plans for New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon to the enactment of the Council’s Strategic Priority relating to Community Led Regeneration: empower communities and build community resilience; and

(iv) To otherwise note the contents of this report.

BACKGROUND

3. The EALDP was formally adopted on the 3rd April 2017. The EALDP focuses on a vision, spatial strategy and key policies, while more detailed matters are contained in supplementary guidance. Supplementary guidance and non-statutory planning guidance can be prepared alongside a Local Development Plan or can be prepared and published subsequently. The Plan as approved indicates that the Council proposes to publish supplementary guidance and non-statutory guidance within the lifetime of the EALDP. All supplementary guidance has now been adopted or is in the process of being adopted with the exception of the placemaking maps.

4. The LDP introduced a section on placemaking and when published incorporated five placemaking maps for , Cumnock, Galston, and with a view to preparing placemaking maps for all of East Ayrshire’s communities which would become supplementary guidance in due course. A proposed timetable for the preparation of the placemaking maps forms part of the Action Programme which was originally approved by Cabinet on 28th June 2017.

5. It should be noted that whilst this programme represents the desired order, the actual order is dependent on the community being willing and able to get involved at the appropriate time. Placemaking follows on from the development of Community Led Action Plans which, in turn, can only progress if a request is received from the community to develop one. Therefore, it is expected that some deviation from the agreed Action Programme will occur. The Action Programme was updated as part of the Development Plan Scheme that was approved by Cabinet on the 11 March 2020. The terminology used to describe placemaking maps and action programmes has changed to reflect that within the Planning () Act 2019. They are now referred to collectively as Place Plans.

6. Place Plans are a realistic assessment of which land use based projects can make most impact in achieving the Scottish Government’s six qualities of successful places that is; distinctive, safe and pleasant, easy to move around, welcoming, adaptable and sustainable. Place Plans will help guide future development and assist the Council and local communities in future funding bids and in targeting resources. The programme for producing Place Plans has been closely associated with the production / updating of the Community Led Action Plans where these exist.

PLACE PLAN PROCESS

7. The procedure flowchart for developing a Place Plans can be viewed on the Members Portal within the Place Plan handout. All activities in the development of Place Plans follow the same basic steps;

 Identification of Community Priorities for improvement  Verification and logging of features and actions  Mapping and validation of features and actions  Informal consultation with affected properties

8. Place Plan maps and actions are derived from community priorities identified through local development activities such as a Community Led Action Plans (CLAP’s). CLAP’s are developed by a community steering group following a request for support in forming a CLAP being made to Vibrant Communities. The Communities Team then facilitate an extensive community engagement process and provide support via a community worker to bring together all the information required to publish the Community Led Action Plan.

9. The Place Plan process typically involves four engagement meetings starting with an appraisal transect or “walkabout” with a small number of community representative’s to identify the location of the main priorities. This is followed by a “Talking Pictures” exercise with a wider group of community representative’s. This activity involves listening to and recording of the group’s comments when viewing over a large number of photographs highlighting the main priorities identified. Feedback relating to the comments recorded is sought from internal Council stakeholders, East Ayrshire Leisure Trust and Ayrshire Roads Alliance. This collective feedback is used to inform the mapping and validation desktop exercise. Draft maps and actions are then produced and, at subsequent meetings, adjusted by members of the group until an agreed plan was established to go out for informal consultation across the community.

PLACE PLAN – NEW CUMNOCK

10. The New Cumnock Place Plan focuses on key buildings and development sites in the which are notable eyesores. The New Cumnock Development Trust has already acquired the former Castle Hotel, and is developing plans for this. There is also an ambition to develop a sustainable energy project for the town and develop tourism based on the extensive assets in terms of walking routes in the surrounding area, the and the town’s role as a gateway to Ayrshire from the South. Housing provision is also an issue which the community seeks to address through the opportunities that exist in Greenhill area of the town where excess provision of social housing was extensively demolished. It is hoped by the community that new private, social and self-build housing can be encouraged there.

PLACE PLAN – DALRYMPLE, HOLLYBUSH AND SKELDON

11. Whilst the consultation area for the Community Action Plan that informs this report includes the settlement of Skeldon, there are no proposals identified for Skeldon itself. For Dalrymple and Hollybush there is significant focus on green spaces including the further development of the community garden in Dalrymple. There is also a focus on the development of walking and cycling routes and better connecting local communities. Key buildings identified in Dalrymple are the church and the Kirkton Inn. The pavilion at the sports field is also viewed as an opportunity and is being considered currently for asset transfer. In Hollybush, the creation of a footway between the Hollybush Estate entrance and the information point and car park for the Hollybush Estate walk is identified as a priority. The walk is a circular route around the estate and along the banks of the River Doon. In both communities speeding was highlighted as an issue both on the B742 into Dalrymple and the A713 through Hollybush.

CONSULTATION UPDATE - NEW CUMNOCK AND DALRYMPLE, HOLLYBUSH AND SKELDON

12. Following Cabinet approval of the New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon plans on the 22nd January 2020 for consultation purposes, the Supplementary Guidance was published for a six week consultation period. The guidance was made available on the Council’s website, hard copies were deposited at Council offices and the consultation was advertised in the local press. In summary the Supplementary Guidance promotes cycling and walking route improvements; streetscape, green space and civic space improvements; blue/green network opportunities; priority buildings requiring regeneration; development sites and housing improvement opportunities; in the settlements as summarised in paragraphs 10-11 above.

13. There were two comments from one member of the public in relation to Hollybush received supporting the inclusion of a new footway between the Hollybush Inn and the village and calling for an upgrade of the footpaths, drainage and interpretation of walkways around the River Doon. It is hope that the paths along the Doon Valley will be included to some extent in the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership (CCLP). This could include links to Hollybush, Skeldon and Dalrymple. Following the initial feasibility study which was carried out as part of the development of the CCLP and subject to a positive response to the external funding applications, East Ayrshire Leisure will be carrying out detailed survey work of the paths in the area to inform the implementation of the CCLP access network. This will include community and landowner consultations. Other comments relate to speeding and traffic calming measures around Hollybush to reduce the speed of traffic between Hollybush and Dalrymple have received positive comments from ARA and investigations are being progressed. ARA have also indicated that a formal footpath between the Hollybush Inn and the village could not be justified. This does not mean that a community project could not be considered as a means of accessing funds, improving access and testing future demand.

14. No correspondence was received with regards to New Cumnock, and Dalrymple. The detail of all the queries received and responses can be seen in appendix 1

NEXT STEPS

15. Subject to Executive Committee approval, it is intended that the supplementary guidance will be submitted to Scottish Ministers. Scottish Ministers will consider the supplementary guidance and representations received. After 28 days have elapsed, the Council may adopt the supplementary guidance unless Minsters direct otherwise.

16. It should be noted that the content of the aforementioned supplementary guidance does not need to be scrutinised at examination given that the principle of the policy or proposal has been examined and subsequently included in the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan. The supplementary guidance is limited to providing further detail based on the parameters set out in the LDP. On adoption, it should be noted that the aforementioned supplementary guidance will have the same weight as the Local Development Plan as it forms part of the plan.

PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS

17. There are no personnel implications directly arising from this report

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

18. There are no financial implications directly arising from this report that cannot be met by existing departmental balances. Funds to implement specific or priority proposals will be sourced by community groups from a variety of funding sources with assistance of Council employees as appropriate.

LEGAL/POLICY IMPLICATIONS

19. Once adopted, the supplementary guidance will formally be part of the Local Development Plan and be used to support the implementation of the Plan and in the determination of planning applications.

20. Placemaking in conjunction with Community Action Plans is complementary to the emerging community empowerment measures contained within the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which received royal assent in July 2019. The detail of how the new Act’s provisions will work in practice will be contained within secondary legislation and guidance, which will be developed over the coming months and will be implemented by 2021. It is, however, considered that the work the Council is currently taking forward in relation to Place Plans will ensure it is well positioned to take on board the requirements of the new Planning Act.

COMMUNITY PLAN IMPLICATIONS

21. Placemaking is a key way of implementing Community Led Regeneration, a strategic priority of the Community Plan 2015 – 2030. The development of the New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon Place Plans will therefore help meet the aims of the Community Plan.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

22. There are no risk management implications directly arising from this report.

TRANSFORMATION IMPLICATIONS

23. The development of Place Plans for our communities contributes to a number of work streams within the transformation strategy including empowering our communities to allow them to have more influence and control, and supporting communities to regenerate our town centres.

EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS

24. There are no equalities implications directly arising from this report.

CONCLUSIONS

25. The draft Place Plans New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon are the latest in a programme of placemaking that is being rolled out to support the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan 2017.

Alex McPhee Depute Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer Economy and Skills DATE 28.05.20 (CMcK)

Background Papers: East Ayrshire Local Development Plan Action Programme: Cabinet 28 July 2017 Place Plans for New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon: 22 January 2020 Development Plan Scheme 2020: 11 March 2020

Appendices: Annex 1- Table of representations received from period of consultation.

The following documents are available on the Member’s Portal:

 LDP Extract- Supplementary and Non-statutory guidance  Action Programme- Timetable for Placemaking Maps  Placemaking procedure flowchart  Place Plans for New Cumnock and Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon

Karl Doroszenko, Development Planning and Person to Contact: Regeneration Manager Email: [email protected]

Implementation Officer: David McDowall Interim Head of Planning and Economic Development 01563 576749 Email: [email protected]

Annex 1

Written Responses Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon

Name and address Summary of representation / Changes sought Response of respondent Member of the QUERY 1 public - 1 I would support the provision of a footway along Creating a formal footway between the B7034 junction and the Hollybush Inn the west verge of the busy A713 from Benston cannot be considered at this time without significant justification and a high Crescent to the Hollybush Inn. pedestrian demand.

A number of years ago, a sign board was There are very few residential frontages along this stretch or other community installed by EAC at the Hollybush Inn car park to facilities such as a school, playground, bus stop or Council building for the encourage walkers into the Hollybush House community to access or connect to. estate, however many are put off as there is no The only advantage such a footway would yield is to connect a private business link footway and is only partially lit. to the community. Creating a formal footway along this section also has several engineering difficulties, including relocating the crash barrier behind the verge; significant level differences which would require major earthworks and possible land acquisition. It maybe that an informal trail can be investigated by the community away from the verge which would test the demand and landowners willingness to provide access. This may also be something that would attract external funding as a community project.

QUERY 2. I would suggest that consideration be given to ARA will review and consult with on this suggestion. reducing the limit on the section of the B7034 from the A713 towards Dalrymple to 30mph along the property frontages. This would require a minor alteration to the traffic order and replacement signage but would significantly improve road safety at a location where there are now a number of local children and a historically poor visibility junction exiting from Hollybush Terrace onto the B7034. Provision of traffic calming may not be appropriate for the two short cul de sac's as these are steep and not gritted in winter so would cause issues for drivers who already struggle to get out in snow and icy conditions.

The kerb and pavement at the corner of This will be passed to the ARA Roads Maintenance Unit for inspection and action Hollybush Terrace / B7034 has be damaged by as necessary. repeated over running and a short section of the B7034 off the A713 requires surfacing to complete the good work done by the Council previously between Hollybush and Dalrymple.

A number of village entrance, countdown and The signage will be checked and ARA Streel Lighting advised of the request for junction warning signs require replacing and LED lighting. provision of LED street lighting would be appreciated throughout the village.