East Ayrshire’s development plan for the area’s minerals has been named as an award finalist in the category for excellence in plan making practice.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry and celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.

The Minerals Local Development Plan has a focus on restoration of former mining areas which was key to securing a £2.2million regeneration lottery grant prior to its adoption.

Councillor Jim Roberts, chair of the East Ayrshire Planning Committee, said: “Our Minerals Local Development Plan is a very worthy finalist in this award category and I commend our planning officers and our member/officer working group for their innovative approach in taking this forward.

“This plan was borne out of social, economic and environmental disaster following the demise of the opencast coal industry in the area, but far from doing the bare minimum, the council sought to find creative solutions to actively address the issues it faced.

“The council has taken the lead in implementing and regenerating, using the Plan as a driver to deliver positive outcomes for our local communities. I wish the team well when the winners are declared.”

RTPI President Wei Yang said last week: “For over 40 years, these prestigious awards have celebrated the exceptional work undertaken by town planners.

“In the middle of a global pandemic, I believe they are more relevant than ever before, recognising the incredible commitment and dedication of planners who have risen to the challenge of responding to the impacts of COVID-19 on the planning system.”

The winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony in the Awards Room on Evessio at 4pm on Thursday, April 29.