CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an 'eco therapy wellness park' near Auchinleck are back on the agenda – just weeks after an outline planning application was rejected.

Previous plans by Edinburgh-based developers National Pride UK sparked more than 70 objections from members of the public, who raised concerns over the environmental impact of the proposals for the site of the former Barony colliery, between Auchinleck and Ochiltree.

The developer says the proposed centre will act as a health and wellness destination, providing mental relaxation facilities, spa, exercise, and craft activities, with visitors accommodated in a series of lodges and domes.

Members of the planning committee at East Ayrshire Council (EAC) refused an application for outline planning permission in February – on the casting vote of the authority's Provost, Jim Todd.

Those who voted against were concerned at the risk to wildlife and the lack of information on the the suitability and stability of the coal bing that forms much of the site.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust was among those who raised concern at the proposals.

However, the application attracted support from local gropus, including Auchinleck Community Council, the Auchinleck Community Development Initiative and the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce – who said they believed the centre would bring hundreds of jobs and boost tourism.

Now a London consultancy firm, RPS, has lodged an 'environmental impact assessment screening request', which has been published on EAC's website.

The RPS document states: "National Pride is now preparing a new planning application to be submitted that will provide further details and assessment on the issues covered by the refusal notice of the former application.

"Fundamentally, the proposed development remains unchanged to that sought previously.

"The evidence presented demonstrates that there is no reasonable likelihood of significant environmental effects arising from either the future construction or operation of the proposed development

"The proposed change in land use will also result in an improvement in the general prosperity of the area, providing a valuable eco-tourist resort and bringing employment opportunities to the local area."

One proposed change is to reduce the number of lodges from 330 to 200.

The RPS report adds: "National Pride is now preparing a new planning application to be submitted that will provide further details and assessment on the issues covered by the refusal notice of the former application.

"The evidence presented demonstrates that there is no reasonable likelihood of significant environmental effects arising from either the future construction or operation of the proposed development.

"The proposed change in land use will also result in an improvement in the general prosperity of the area, providing a valuable eco-tourist resort and bringing employment opportunities to the local area"

National Pride first unveiled plans for their 'wellness centre" in September 2020.

Councillors who voted in February were split on six votes each.

Provost Jim Todd gave the casting vote against the plans after officials from the local authority's planning department recommended refusal.

Following the decision National Pride insisted it remained "fully committed" to the site's development.

National Pride describes itself as community interest company that delivers social housing, wellbeing projects and social care developments throughout the UK.