PLANNING bosses have given the green light for enabling works to get under way at the site of a proposed major development in Ardrossan.

The North Shore regeneration plans include the creation of a new Ardrossan Academy and Winton Primary School community campus - incorporating an early years facility, leisure pool and library - plus sports pitches, a coastal path and up to 150 houses.

The £150 million project to redevelop the former Shell Oil site off North Crescent Road has been in the pipeline for several years and North Ayrshire Council has now given approval for the next stage of the process to go ahead.

A decision notice on the application for the enabling works, which will consist of earthworks, remediation, construction of a road, replacement revetment, drainage and the formation of a coastal footpath, called for further site investigations and risk assessments to be carried out prior to development commencing.

As the Herald reported last month, council leader, Joe Cullinane, moved to allay contamination fears at the site, which has lain vacant for around 35 years but was previously used to produce bitumen and for the handling of crude oil, fuel oils and aviation fuel.

Three public objections were received to the application, citing concerns over future road layouts, extra traffic and potential noise disruption from the works.

READ MORE: Council leader allays contaminant fears over new Ardrossan Academy site

One objection, submitted on behalf of a group of properties neighbouring the development site called the Harbour View Residents, highlighted fears over contamination of the land and the effects on surrounding homes of disturbing or treating it.

The objection said: “Asbestos is the most deadly when disturbed, there will be airborne particles floating about which when inhaled will cause serious health damage and death.

“As the prevailing winds for this site are south west/west this will send airborne particles over the current adjacent residential area.

“These contaminants can have serious health implications for all age groups and unborn children during de-contamination, construction and living on the site.

“It is of some concern that the most effective method of removal of contaminants will be the most expensive, so it has been noted in the site report that this is the least preferred method.”

The residents’ group also raised concerns over the cost of the project, estimated at around £120 million, adding: “The project costs will spiral out of control...

“North Ayrshire Council taxpayers must not foot the bill for this.”

A supporting statement submitted with the application in November said that the planned start date for the enabling works was February 14, with an expected duration of approximately 41 weeks.

The school campus contractor was then hoped to begin works around January 2023.