REVISED plans for a 'glamping' development on a vacant site in Kilwinning have been lodged with council chiefs.

The proposal for a site on the edge of Eglinton Country Park comes almost exactly a year after similar plans, submitted by the same applicants, were turned down.

In August of last year plans were submitted to North Ayrshire Council (NAC) for the potential seven-pod tourism development on land adjacent to Eglinton House - a short distance from Irvine Road in Kilwinning.

The proposal by Stuart McLean and Susan Pearce, who own the site in question, would have seen the creation of a shower unit, workshop and their own "dream home" for on-site management created alongside the seven "hobbit hut" style glamping pods.

The plans divided local opinion, with almost 40 objections submitted along with 10 letters of support.

Objections came in from the Kilwinning Community Council as well as from the owners of the adjacent B-listed Eglinton House, who raised concerns that the proposed development would "infringe on our privacy".

But Mr McLean and Ms Pearce insisted the development would provide local jobs and support local businesses, by bringing more custom into the area and capitalising on a booming staycation market.

NAC officials, in their decision to turn down the application, said that despite the potential benefits there were "considerable" grounds for refusal.
 

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The refused plans (left) compared to the new site plan (right).The refused plans (left) compared to the new site plan (right). (Image: NAC Planning)

Documents confirming the decision stated: "It is not considered that a previously undeveloped woodland site within a historic designed landscape on the edge of Eglinton Country Park represents an appropriate location due to the extensive loss of trees and other impacts this development would result in."

The new proposals, which have been scaled back from the original application, include a new site layout.

Mr McLean and Ms Pearce say they plan to put their life savings into the project.

The latest plans, submitted by Highstreet Architects on the applicants' behalf, still include seven glamping pods - four larger ones with dining space, and three smaller pods with only room for a bed.

The revised proposals no longer include a house or a workshop on the site, with the only building, apart from the pods, being a shower unit.

Parking spaces for nine vehicles are included, as well as associated footpaths.

The plans are currently pending consideration, and can be viewed by searching the council’s online planning portal for the reference code 23/00697/PP.