Preliminary plans for Barony Wellness site to be considered

We previously reported in February last year that elected members knocked back proposals put forward by National Pride UK for an "eco-therapy wellness park" on the site of the former Barony Colliery.

The £50million development, described by planners as "the first true nature-based wellbeing destination in Europe", was refused after Provost Jim Todd used his casting vote to refuse permission after councillors were tied at six votes apiece.

In September, National Pride submitted Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) to the East Ayrshire Council for the development of a wellness facility located between Auchinleck and Ochiltree.

National Pride said that the new application has taken "on board the reasons for refusal."

The initial plans received backlash over the potential environmental impact of the proposals.

Community councils are divided in their stance on the plans.

Auchinleck are firmly behind the plans, but members of Ochiltree and Skares have said they cannot support the outline planning application unless East Ayrshire Council (EAC) addresses several concerns regarding the developer's proposals.

READ MORE: Community council is latest to voice Barony 'wellness park' concerns

Wildlife charities, such as Buglife Scotland Scottish Wildlife Trust, have staunchly opposed the plans.

East Ayrshire councillors have been recommended to approve the PPP with set conditions at the upcoming planning committee on Friday, January 12.

However, approving the PPP would not give a green light for the park to be built, as the developers would then have to submit a more in-depth application that would need to meet the conditions set by EAC.

The full proposals can be viewed on the East Ayrshire Council website by searching for 23/0491/PPP.