Developers bid to build 39 new holiday lets in Brodick

Developer Beechtree Wright Ltd is seeking permission to build 39 new units on land south-east of the Douglas Hotel in Brodick - directly opposite the village's ferry terminal and next to the main Brodick-Lamlash road.

But the proposals have already begun to attract opposition - with concerns raised about the impact on traffic on the busiest stretch of road on the island.

The application was received by North Ayrshire Council (NAC) more than a year ago - in October 2022 - but was only validated by local authority officials last week.

If given the go-ahead, the holiday accommodation will offer a mix of accessible ground level apartments, first floor apartments and small two storey houses.

The development site is located close to Brodick's ferry terminal (Image: ID Partnership/North Ayrshire Council)

The site comprises woodland and a former garden centre, and already has temporary permission to be used for three mobile homes.

The developers say in their planning application that spaces will be "generously proportioned to offer barrier free access where possible" and so that all rooms offer "a greater flexibility and means to accommodate future adaptations or change during the life span of the building".

The planning application also seeks permission for 40 cars.

In a design and access statement, submitted along with the formal application and prepared by the ID Partnership, the applicants state: "The proposed tourism development lies within an attractive, coastal location.

"This site is considered to present a rare opportunity for this type of development, served well by existing road infrastructure and public transport providing access to and around the island."

Plot A's proposed apartments and houses vary in size with a view to creating contemporary homes with generous living spaces and natural light to create comfortable holiday home from homes.

Large picture windows would provide clear views towards the coast, Goatfell, the burn and woodlands.

The development site is located next to the A841 Brodick-Lamlash road (Image: ID Partnership/North Ayrshire Council)
Designs have been inspired by local materials and buildings, according to a supporting statement.

The application states: "The stone walls that are found all over the island and encompass the woodland site today have been a key element in the design process to create a heavy base to dwellings in Plot A and the existing wall ito the site frontage is retained where possible in Plot B."

For Plot B, the dwelling would be set off the existing stonewall enclosing the site to the east, their terrace form inspired by the many row houses found on the island.

Buildings will be pushed back from the main road leaving space for the stone wall and planting to the front.

Living spaces are located on top floors with large windows, designed to celebrate the spectacular views of Brodick Bay and towards Goatfell.

Since the plans were submitted, two public objections have been submitted, the first relating to parking as the site is on an elevating bend on the A841 road between Brodick and Lamlash.

One objector said: "To propose cars reversing on or off of this road by the developer is quite frankly dangerous and irresponsible."

The development site is currently occupied by trees and the site of a now-demolished garden centre (Image: ID Partnership/North Ayrshire Council)

Another objector said: "Having 39 new lets in this location will only exacerbate the traffic problem at the nearby Market Road/A841 junction, as this is the junction for the ferry port.

"It is already too busy at peak ferry times.

"The traffic merging into this new development will only slow down the traffic more, thereby increasing emissions and noise pollution in the local area.

"While the tourism industry is undoubtedly important, it is also crucial to prioritise the pressing need for social housing on the island, something which Arran has a distinct lack of."

The plans are currently under consideration by North Ayrshire Council's planning department.

Officials have set a deadline of March 10 for determining the application.

To view the proposals in detail go to eplanning.north-ayrshire.gov.uk and search for the planning application reference code 22/00807/PP.