Plans for the development of a patch of land in Stevenston are moving ahead as a local group draws up proposals.

Stevenston Conservation group has published plans for the transformation of green space between Hillside Street and New Street.

They envisage a more interesting, attractive and biodiverse place than is currently the case. At the moment the land is occupied by grass and a path, with one set of football goalposts.

The proposals include the restoration of a sandy meadow which once existed in the area and would bring more diverse wildlife to the area, the installation of another set of football goalposts, the erection of a boulevard of trees to line the tarmac paving, and the creation of an orchard of about 16 apple, pear and plum trees at the edge of the site, which is currently overgrown and unused.

A spokesperson for Stevenston Conservation said: “We’d plant dual-purpose varieties of fruit tree, so that people can use the apples, pears and plums for eating or cooking depending on their preference.

“The motivation behind the project is to improve quality of life: to make the site a more attractive, interesting and enjoyable place for people to visit. A parallel motivation is to enhance biodiversity: we’re conscious that the proposals would see a significant increase in wildlife at the site.”

The field was once part of Stevenston Muir, a large area of dune heathland and grassland that extended from the dunes at Stevenston to the town centre. This project would see the restoration of just a small part of the Muir.

The Stevenston Conservation group is seeking the opinions of local residents on the plans, saying: “We are currently consulting on these plans and are very keen to hear the opinions of local people. If our proposals don’t prove popular, then we’ll drop them. If you have an opinion on the project, we would be very grateful if you would complete the short survey on our website.”

More information can be found on the website at: stevenstonconservation.org/LNR/stevenstonmuir.html and if you scroll to the bottom of the page there is a link to the survey.