Alterations to the local plan for Arran will allow more building in the countryside, according to Jim Miller, chief development manager for North Ayrshire Council.
At a special planning meeting in Kildonan Village Hall last Friday Mr Miller said serious discussions on the new local plan will begin in the autumn.
He said: ‘We will now encourage building in existing development ground. Where there are a nucleated group of four or more buildings the alteration will allow for one extra house. We hope this will bring in more affordable houses.’
The meeting was organised to discuss planning and development in Dippin, Kildonan, Shannochie and Kilmory.
Residents were able to ask about planning issues but not about individual cases.
With an indirect reference to the Breadalbane Hotel, George Baines from Dippin asked if the planning department considered the impact to the community when applications for a change of use were received.
Mr Baines said: ‘There is no justification for a hotel being turned into flats. What are the criteria for change of use? Should you not be considering the impact to the community.’
Assistant chief executive Ian MacKay said: ‘There is no remit for the local authority to become involved in protecting hotels. There is no place in our local plan for protecting businesses.’
Kenneth Gibson MSP said the issues discussed at the meeting need to be considered in the new local plan. ‘We need to know what you want for your community and it is clear by the impressive turnout today that there are strong feelings about planning and developments on Arran,’ he said.
