AMBITIOUS plans to create a holiday site in Dyke Neuk near Colyton have been refused by South Ayrshire Council.

The plans were ditched at the recent Regulatory Panel (planning) meeting on Thursday at County Hall.

Mr and Mrs McCrindle had recently bought a dream home of theirs on the B742 junction and wished to create a holiday business on the site to create income. 

It was reported that Mr McCrindle was an offshore engineer and wanted a business at home to be closer to his family.

He hoped to turn the agricultural land into eco-friendly holiday accommodation plots.

Families would be able to visit the site and walk with their dogs in the area, staying in cabins known as ‘eco-plots’.

However, one main objector was Ayrshire Roads Alliance who felt the road was unsafe for road users as well as families walking along the road. 

Councillor Brian Connelly was on hand to speak on behalf of several constituents.

He said: “I got involved with this regarding road safety. The road links to a road (A713) which has had over 30 reported accidents in recent times.

“These plans would involve families going on foot to a dangerous road. These holidaymakers are completely unaware of how dangerous this road is.”

Councillor Connelly also highlighted that if holidaymakers brought dogs then dog mess was likely to occur in the nearby fields which could harm local farmers livestock due to the parasites. 

Mr and Mrs McCrindle were represented by Robin Ghosh, the director of Econstruct Design and Build. He believed that regulations regarding hedge viability when departing from a junction could be relaxed if a speed survey revealed that cars travelled below the speed limit.

He said: “Ayrshire Roads Alliance did not come forward at the beginning when prompted to.

“We are in no way suggesting creating a situation that will affect road safety, though it is important that we should not dismiss this on the grounds of road safety.

“I suggest we do a speed survey, should the survey reveal that if there is an average speed of 55mph then regulations can be relaxed.”
Ayrshire Roads Alliance confirmed that no decision could be made on a hypothetical speed survey nor was it in their authority to impose a speed limit changed.

Councillor Ann Galbraith said : “Road safety issues are paramount but I am also concerned by the threats dogs would have to livestock.”

Prestwick councillor Hugh Hunter said: “The project is excellent, however I have two issues. I was very taken by Councillor Connelly regarding farmers and road safety. It makes it impossible to support it.”

Councillor Ian Cavana added: “Our hands are tied here.”