'Last chance to regenerate Ardrossan's North Shore'

The area, inclusive of the Shell Oil Refinery is recognised as being the last remaining prime site on the west coast affording such fabulous views that has been approved by North Ayrshire Council for residential Development.

At the moment the area of land is jointly owned by both Irvine Bay Regeneration and Clydeport. In 2010, Irvine Bay Regeneration held two well attended public meetings where they sold their vision and projects for the North Shore, Ardrossan to the general public especially the local townspeople. The plans included three projects, The Quayside; The Marina and the Shell Oil Refinery.

The latter was a vision and project for more than 400 residential houses across the whole site with landscaped public open spaces and a promenade from the North Shore to link in with the existing Marina. Whilst some plans have come to fruition, local residents who formed the local Ardrossan North Shore Positive Action Group in 2013 want to raise awareness that the vision and expectations put forward by Irvine Bay Regeneration Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive both at the public meetings and in the short presentation video currently on their website are not what is now being proposed.

The group said: “Persimmon PLC, who are seemingly the only developers interested in this area, are on the point of submitting to North Ayrshire Council Planning their amended proposed planning application for an increased number of houses from 78 (in 2013) to 106 smaller sized houses with gardens in the same 6.4 acres phase 5a built right up to the boundary line with little or no landscaped areas, which is not we feel is an acceptable proposal.” Along the new coastal road, the revetment will only be built to 15 metres past the proposed development by Persimmon - this will and only be continued if and when their is a developer planning the next phase for residential development.

Brenda Johnstone, chairman of Ardrossan North Shore Positive Action Group (ANSPAG) which was formed initially in response to the two consultations by Persimmon back in 2013, would like to stress that they are in no way objecting to the building of residential houses on the Shell Oil Refinery.

She said: “This is the last chance for the regeneration of Ardrossan, not just for our generation but for generations to come and we have to get it right.” “This is not only about Irvine Bay’s legacy but also that of the people of Ardrossan.

“In the current video on Irvine Bay Regeneration’s website it is mentioned that the North Shore is part of Ardrossan and they want the townspeople to be involved as it is not a closed development. Irvine Bay Regeneration are holding an Annual Public Meeting next week to which people can register to attend.

“Ardrossan is a beautiful little town which has a lot to offer to so many from far and wide. Recently at an event in the Civic Centre run by Our Place, this was more so apparent when presentations were given by five or more local groups on their work and aspirations for the future of Ardrossan.

“So there are opportunities for anyone to voice their opinions and submit either by letter, email or online relevant comments to Irvine Bay Regeneration or North Ayrshire Council Planning about Persimmon’s proposed planning application before the next Planning Committee meeting.

“Any planning application can be viewed on North Ayrshire Council’s website Online Planning Information Systems and if wanting to make a comment can register which is free of charge.” “Ardrossan North Shore Positive Action Group does not have a joining fee and is open to anyone living or interested in the town of Ardrossan who would like to be part of the group.

“For further information please email me on brendajohnstone1951@icloud.com.” Patrick Wiggins, chief executive of Irvine Bay, has now agreed to meet the group.

He said: The developer Persimmon will be seeking planning permission for an increased number of homes -up from 78 to 106 - but on a larger site, now 7.4 acres as opposed to 5.4 acres. The density remains the same at 14 homes per acre.

“The development also includes open landscaped space. The proposal is that the homes nearest to the shore will be Persimmon’s premier brand houses, Charles Church.

“We are pleased that the Action Group has reiterated its desire to see the site developed for housing. I am sure that we can allay the fears expressed by them, some of which appears to be based on a misunderstanding of the proposals.

“Clearly the proposal will require to go through the normal rigorous planning process.”