South Ayrshire Local Plan

The Greenbelt

The Prestwick Airport Greenbelt was designated in 1965 to protect the operational needs of the airport. However, it has become clear that the Greenbelt has more recently assumed the functions of a conventional greenbelt, providing an effective method of managing the development pressures placed on land around Ayr, Prestwick and Troon in terms of:

maintaining the identity of towns and preventing coalescence;
maintaining the landscape setting of settlements;
providing recreational opportunities; and
protecting good quality agricultural land.

In addition, the Greenbelt’s control on the spread of development means developer attention is more focused on existing sites within settlement boundaries. Development on these sites is beneficial as it assists in the ongoing aim of urban renewal and economic regeneration in run down or disused areas.

In recognition of the importance of the Greenbelt, its historical context and expanded role, this Plan has reviewed the boundaries of the designated area in order to ensure that the land included is only that of the highest landscape and environmental quality, especially in terms of maintaining the setting of settlements as well as those areas which are most sensitive to development pressure. This approach results in a Greenbelt in three distinct sections, giving a strong policy framework to endure for the medium to long term. However, the Council understands that not all development within the Greenbelt may be detrimental to its function, or its character. The extent of the Greenbelt is defined on the Proposals Map.

STRATEGIC POLICY STRAT2

Development in the Greenbelt (including a change of use or intensification of use), or potentially having an adverse impact on the greenbelt, will only be acceptable when it is justified in terms of:

Having an exceptional economic benefit and a specific locational need; or
Constituting farm diversification in compliance with policy RE1; or
Being a non residential re-use of a structurally sound and substantially intact traditional/vernacular building worthy of retention in terms of a positive or potentially positive contribution to its locality and which will not require significant external alterations; or
Being an extension of an existing business or dwelling where the integrity of the greenbelt will not be compromised; or
Being a recreational or tourism use which is primarily for enhancing the enjoyment of the countryside and which does not require the construction of any new buildings or structure, other than in exceptional circumstances; or
Comprising the residential re-use of a structurally sound and substantially intact traditional/ vernacular building worthy of retention in terms of a positive or potentially positive contribution to its locality and which will not require significant external alterations and is in compliance with policy H9.

NOTE
Permitted development rights for new development approved in the greenbelt may be removed in association with any consent given.

Whilst the control of, and restraint upon, development is an essential part of Greenbelt policy, it is also essential that the Council demonstrates its commitment to measures which will enhance the visual quality of the Greenbelt and promote its sensitive management for appropriate uses.

The Council will therefore welcome and actively encourage proposals for landscaping and planting which it considers will make a positive contribution in the improvement of land within the Greenbelt, most particularly degraded or despoiled land located within, or clearly visible from the Greenbelt.

In this regard, the planting of indigenous tree/shrub species and the introduction of new habitats for ecological benefit will be welcomed.