PLANS to deliver a site-wide restoration of a massive opencast site have been submitted to East Ayrshire Council.

Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd (HSML), as agent for the landowner, has lodged an application to restore the 595 hectare House of Water site, while securing around 100 direct jobs for six years to deliver the project.

In April 2013 the future of the site was left uncertain when previous operators Scottish Coal, faced considerable difficulties that resulted in them being placed into liquidation.

HSML was appointed contractor soon after and has been working with East Ayrshire Council (EAC) and other stakeholders to identify solutions for the huge restoration task In April 2014, permission was given by EAC for major works to recommence on site for 12 months to enable the commencement of the restoration of a section of the site. In just over six months approximately three million tonnes of material has been utilised to begin restoring one of the main voids on the site.

This new application aims to deliver a larger and more comprehensive restoration of the House of Water Complex and ensure a positive future legacy for the land, while improving the environmental status and aesthetics of the site.

With an estimated restoration liability of more than £26 million pounds and only £440,000 of bond monies available, HSML is proposing to use funds generated from the sale of the remaining 1.9 million tonnes of coal within the site to deliver the restoration.

This will also provide more than £500,000 to the Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust to support local projects and initiatives.

Steve MacQuarrie, Planning Director for Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd said: “The House of Water Complex has proven to be one of the biggest challenges we have faced as we pick up the pieces left following the collapse of the previous operator.

“We’ve have worked with all stakeholders to developing these proposals and are confident we can deliver a restoration program that will improve the site immensely and create a positive legacy for House of Water and the nearby communities.”