Plans for a glamping holiday site at an Ayrshire beauty spot have been resoundingly refused.
A woodland area in Eglinton Park, Kilwinning – near the Category B-listed Eglinton House – was earmarked to make way for seven glamping pods, toilets/showers, a site office, workshop and two-bedroom manager's house.
Applicants S McLean and S Pearce wanted to establish a "recreational holiday destination for those preferring a staycation".
But this week, North Ayrshire Council threw out the planning application, stating that the proposed development was contrary to various policies relating to the local development plan.
A decision notice said that the extent of tree loss and groundworks would damage the established woodland character of the site, and, therefore, not represent a sustainable form of development.
It was felt that the removal of a large number of trees and other vegetation followed by the development of the land as proposed would not be in the best interests of "the historic landscape".
The document stated that the development would "permanently alter the setting for Eglinton House and fragment the woodland area on this historic western approach route to Eglinton Castle."
The layout, design, materials, scale, siting and use were not deemed appropriate either.
Planners said "only limited consideration had been given in the application to the impact the development would have on the historic setting of Eglinton House, and in relation to the contrasting layout and building character arising from the proposals."
It was also stated that there was no specific locational need for the development on the site; no justification for a manager's house since there is no established rural business on the site and that the proposed house design was not considered exceptional or bespoke.
Four objections to the plans were lodged with the local authority with members of the public raising concerns relating to potential noise and traffic issues and the environmental impact on the landscape.
Kilwinning Community Council also expressed its opposition and said the plans would not enhance the park or its facilities.
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