The planning application for an Eco-Therapy Wellness Park located on the site of the former Barony Colliery, near Auchinleck, has been submitted to East Ayrshire Council.
Should it be consented, The Barony Eco-Therapy Wellness Park will be a non-exclusive health and wellness destination, providing active health and mental relaxation facilities, accessible and affordable for all.
The facilities will comprise spa, gym and pool areas, indoor and outdoor exercise and craft activities, as well as overnight accommodation, allowing guests to relax and rehabilitate whilst ‘getting back to nature’.
The Park is a joint venture company between National Pride UK and IntroCrowd, and will occupy 108.8 acres.
READ MORE: Critics brand eco-therapy park plans ‘destructive’ to biodiversity
Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “At The Barony visitors can expect a safe, restful and enlivening environment in which to relax, rejuvenate and be healthy in mind and body, developing their mental and physical strength and personal resilience.
“We are also committed to create a destination that will provide significant community benefits to the area. Given COP26 it is also highly appropriate that we are delivering a development that is assisting in tackling the climate emergency, aiming to showcase the latest in renewable energy technology.
“Throughout the process we have engaged extensively with the local community and the support we have received to date for our proposals has been amazing.”
The plans have not been welcomed by all, however, including members of the Scottish Wildlife Trust who believe National Pride is giving “a very misleading impression of what the impacts will be on the Bing”.
Bruce Philp, of Ochiltree, said the site is one of “great biodiversity value and is the best example of natural rewilding in East Ayrshire” and claims that “the building of this large and complex development would effectively destroy these habitats”.
He added: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust will vigorously oppose this development and I believe that there will also be considerable opposition from local residents who make great use of the site.”
A spokesperson for The Barony NP (UK) Ltd commented: “We would urge the Scottish Wildlife Trust to view the planning application when it is available on the council’s planning portal.”
They added: “The delivery team of exceptional experienced professionals are very much aware of all environmental and biodiversity concerns for this amazing site.”
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