South Ayrshire Local Plan

Roadside Facilities

At a strategic level South Ayrshire is served by the A77 trunk road and a number of other ‘A’ class roads and it is recognised that there is a requirement for certain facilities to serve the motorist along these routes. In accordance with national Planning Policy Guideline 9 “The Provision of Roadside Facilities on Motorways and Trunk Roads in Scotland”, the Council has made an assessment of public facilities and service areas for the travelling motorist. This assessment confirms that the level of current provision meets the standards required, from a combination of specific service areas such as those found at the Dutchhouse roundabout, Monkton, and facilities more generally available within settlements, and there is therefore no quantitative requirement for any additional services. In addition, the Council considers that passing trade through towns and villages along roads contributes to the economic wellbeing of these settlements. Consequently, any proposals for roadside facilities will be directed to existing settlements.

It is recognised that in some areas, the lack of restaurants or hot food shops has resulted in the appearance of mobile snack bars. Where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that existing premises could not be used and that such a facility is needed, the development of purpose built premises may be viewed favourably. In all cases, the availability of ancillary facilities such as the local provision of public toilets and litter bins will be an element of the Council’s assessment of the in the overall acceptability of the proposal.

POLICY SERV13*

Roadside facilities for the travelling motorist, including snack bars, will be directed to settlements, and especially town centres, and permanent structures will be viewed as being preferable to mobile or temporary structures used on a long term basis.

NOTE
Proposals for roadside facilities will require to be justified in terms of meeting a demonstrated need of travelling motorists. General snack bar facilities will be considered in terms of the provisions of the Plan’s retail policies.