DETAILED for a new community campus in Dalmellington have been formally lodged with East Ayrshire Council officials - three years after funding was pledged for the scheme.
The Doon Valley Community Campus proposals have been in the pipeline since December 2020 when the Scottish Government committed cash to the project.
The planned new facility will feature a new nursery, Dalmellington Primary and Doon Academy, as well as a swimming pool, council office, health centre and police office with outdoor play areas and parking.
The application, made by North Planning and Development, describes the demolition of existing schools and the redevelopment of the site in Dalmellington.
The planners have said if approved, the new buildings would make productive use of an already developed place, will re-provide new and enhanced community services and will improve the community health and wellbeing of residents.
A description of the proposals states: "The application proposes a single new building to be located centrally within the eastern part of the site, between the existing school/swimming pool buildings and the Dalmellington centre (council/health/police building).
"The new building will accommodate a variety of civic and community uses, including new nursery, primary and secondary schools, swimming pool, a health and wellbeing centre and a police office, and with related external landscaping, outdoor play spaces and parking.
Read More: Ayrshire vet's important advice over dog walking in winter
"The application proposes a single new building to be located centrally within the eastern part of the site, between the existing school/swimming pool buildings and the Dalmellington centre (council/health/police building).
"The new building will accommodate a variety of civic and community uses, including new nursery, primary and secondary schools, swimming pool, a health and wellbeing centre and a police office, and with related external landscaping, outdoor play spaces and parking.
"The new facility will be transformational as it will create a renewed civic presence on a centrally located site, and this will revitalise the site itself, the extent and quality of service provision in the town, and help to support the wider regeneration and enhancement of Dalmellington and the surrounding area."
The council has set a deadline of April 6, 2024 to reach a decision on the application.
For more information and to view the planning application go to East Ayrshire Council's planning website and search for the reference code 23/0641/PP.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here