After years of work towards the creation of a Water Sports ‘hub’ at Troon’s north shore, the local group behind the plan are set to find out whether their dream will become reality.
Troon Water Sports Centre Committee (TWSCC) have set out their plans for the facility, which would be partly sited on the old Troon Sailing Club on North Shore Road.
And their plans have received huge support from the community, with 168 representations of support submitted to South Ayrshire Council planners.
The hub would provide rental equipment and lessons in kite surfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing as well as blo-karts, wetsuit rental, environmental awareness events, well-being activities and electric bike charging.
The hub would utilise shipping containers to create a ‘u-shaped’ single storey building reaching around 2.6m high, with a footprint of 204 m2. It would be timber clad, with a viewing deck on the roof of the ‘west wing’ of the building.
The unit would feature changing rooms, showers (indoor and outdoor), toilets (all accessible/ parent/ child friendly), a training room/community space; an office; dry store; viewing platform; and community café.
The TWSCC say the hub would operate seasonally from spring to autumn, opening seven days a week, 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends.
In winter that would be reduced two two days, Wednesday and Sunday, from 9.30/10am to 3pm.
The application, which was lodged with planners in May, received 163 representations supporting the plan, with just three objections and two neutral comments.
The TWSCC states: “We want to provide an opportunity for those who may not normally have access to sports such as kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing – all activities that are proven to build confidence and self-belief.”
They added that over the last five years, the group has been working to raise public awareness, including presentation and water sports taster sessions which it describes as ‘very well attended’.
Accessibility for people with disabilities or other issues that can impact on the use of such facilities was also a priority for the group.
They state: “The Disabled Olympics and Invicta Games have highlighted the intensifying demand and success of fundamental engagement in these events.
“True support, however, does require common sense provision of facilities that allow this to happen as easily for all and not just those of us who enjoy full mobility and can therefore readily access normal services such as a loo or shower.”
Objections were raised about increased traffic, potential overcrowding and noise, flooding and wildlife. Officials indicated that these issues could be mitigated with conditions to any permission.
In recommending approval, planners said: “The consultation responses do not raise any issues of over-riding concern that cannot be addressed by suitable conditions.
“The proposal will provide opportunities for water sport recreational activities which will be of local community benefit.
“Given the above assessment of the proposal and having balanced the applicant’s rights against the general interest, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.
The panel will meet on Thursday, September 22 to consider the application.
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