PLANS to tear down a historic Auchinleck mining heritage site has been booted out.

At a meeting of East Ayrshire Council's Special Planning Committee land owner Highhouse Estates Limited attempted to gain permission to pull down the former Highhouse Colliery engine house and head frame and to remove the engine and winding gear at the site on Highhouse Industrial Estate.

The application was kicked in to touch as councillor's opted to refuse permission.

Auchinleck Tenants and Residents Association lodged an objection to the proposal, arguing that keeping the colliery could add extra revenue to Auchinleck's thanks to its image as a tourist attraction.

Speaking on behalf of the Auchinleck Tenants and Residents Association, Sandy Donis said: "We had a meeting where it was unanimously decided that we would object to this proposal.

"We feel this is an important part of Auchinleck's heritage and history and additionally to that, when we look at the improvements that have been made along the whole stretch of the Barony Road, right from Auchinleck House through the Barony A Frame and then down to Boswell's mausoleum, the whole area is actually starting to attract attention as a tourist spot.

"The benefit of that to Auchinleck is obvious in that it brings employment to the community as well as additional income to the community.

"This could be a win/win situation for Highhouse Estates Limited, because with more people coming to there and looking at that as a historical place it would mean that Highhouse Estates Limited would have further footfall through the estate."

Highhouse Estates claim that the site - which has been a listed building since 1992 - has become a hub for anti social behaviour, with youths boozing and vandalising surrounding units on the weekend.

Highhouse Estates Limited have pumped £100,000 in to the estate since they purchased it in 2011.

The firm now claim that councillors have opted to save a relic from the past rather than future employment and are leaving open the possibility of a 'serious accident'.

A spokesperson for Highhouse Estates said: "Highhouse Estates are very disappointed with the Committee hearing’s verdict and we are considering our options in respect of an appeal.

"The application was submitted following three years hard work on our behalf proactively searching for a solution for restoring the coal wheel and engine house. Having not found one we submitted the application to protect the interests of our tenants who are key employers in the town. Sadly the panel has chosen to prioritise the past instead of focusing on the needs of the local employers of today. The council have also chosen to ignore the very real dangers to public safety, with people drinking and having open

fires beside the coal wheel and climbing on the engine house. Should someone have a serious accident there one day they won’t be able to say they weren’t warned."