South Ayrshire Local Plan

Country Estates

There has been a long tradition in South Ayrshire of the development of country estates, usually comprising extensive agricultural land and large mansion houses with associated buildings. However, this tradition has been in decline since the First World War and a number of important country houses are falling into disrepair.Given the importance of these estates and their buildings, the Council wishes to ensure their survival and maintenance, and to ensure that the integrated elements of house, garden and landscape should be protected as a whole. Consequently, whilst the preferred use of the property will remain as a single dwelling unit, sympathetic proposals for alternative uses of the properties which preserve the integrity of the estate may be viewed favourably by the Council.

POLICY BE8

Proposal for appropriate alternative uses of country estate properties worthy of retention will normally be viewed favourably by the Council where:

Proposals preserve the landscape setting of the main house and associated buildings; and
Proposals preserve the character and appearance of the the main house and associated buildings; and
The proposals preserve the integrity and setting of any recognised designed garden and reinstate/restore key elements of that garden wherever practicable.

NOTE 1 The Council will consider the following properties as comprising "country estates"

House/Estate		Grid Reference
Adamton, Prestwick		NS 375 277
Auchendrane, Ayr		NS 334 153
Bargany, Dailly		NS 243 003
Blairquhan, Straiton		NS 365 055
Carnell, Craigie		NS 465 325
Cassillis, Maybole		NS 341 128
Cloncaird castle, Kirkmichael		NS 359 079
Coodham, Symington		NS 395 325
Culzean, Maidens		NS 235 105
Dalquharran Castle, Dailly		NS 270 022
Dankeith, Symington		NS 385 330
Drumellan, Maybole		NS 305 105
Glenapp, Maybole		NS 094 807
Kildonan House, Barrhill		NX 228 830
Kilkerran, Dailly		NS 305 028
Kirkmichael House, Kirkmichael		NS 342 084
Knockdolian Castle, Colmonell		NX 123 855
Ladykirk, Prestwick		NS 384 270
Newark Castle, Ayr		NS 324 173
Sundrum Castle, Coylton		NS 412 212
Trochrague, Girvan		NS 215 005

NOTE 2 The Council may give sympathetic consideration to limited new development in association with the proposed future use of the estate where that development will subsidise the restoration and/or reinstatement of a building, garden, landscape or other significant element of the original estate. In considering the merits of a proposal the Council will bear in mind all of the relevant statutory and other designations applicable to the estate and its vicinity. The need for cross subsidy must be proven and the manner by which it will be achieved must be demonstrated all to the complete satisfaction of the Council.

NOTE 3 Developers may be required to ensure restoration of the properties prior to the completion of any agreed enabling development through an appropriate legal agreement and such proposals will require to be supported by a costed project appraisal/financial plan in order that they may be given proper consideration.

NOTE 4 Developers may be required to prepare, and ensure the implementation of, a long term management plan for the maintenance of the estate.