South Ayrshire Council
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Ayr KA7 1UT

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The Scottish Executive, have commissioned Atkins Highways and Transportation, to carry out design works for A77 Haggstone Climbing Lane

On 16 November 2004, details of the scheme were received for comment.

A climbing lane is proposed from the Fish Farm at Lochryan to Drumbro. This will provide two dedicated lanes for northbound traffic, similar to the new layout at Turnberry.

South Ayrshire Council comments are -

This scheme was identified and recommended in the draft Route Action Plan (RAP) Firm Strategy Report for the A77: Ayr to Stranraer prepared by South Ayrshire Council and Dumfries and Galloway for the Scottish Executive in October 1997.

In general, the works are considered to be of benefit.

It is noted that this scheme is immediately after the entrance to South Ayrshire from the south and the ferry ports. The scheme includes major earthworks and the formation of an extensive cutting area. I would recommended, where possible, that landscaping and environmental measures be put in place to blend in with the surrounding environment and that mitigation measures are put in place to safeguard against changing the characteristic of the area.

The South Ayrshire Local Plan sets out the policies, proposals and recommendations of South Ayrshire Council, as the local planning authority, for the development and other use of land, the protection of environmental resources and for the management of transport and traffic within the administrative area of South Ayrshire Council.

Its vision is to provide a co-ordinated land use strategy which contributes to:

a strong and diverse local economy;
meeting the needs and aspirations of South Ayrshire for housing, jobs, education and leisure; and
maintaining and enhancing through a sustainable approach, the high environmental quality of the area.

The Local Plan is available on South Ayrshire Council’s website www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk . This scheme should ensure that all works take account of this document. Also available is the Interactive mapping which details, for example, greenbelt areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and conservation areas.

Please consider the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan which aims include conserving South Ayrshire’s local biodiversity and safeguarding the natural environment. Specific comments can be made on the details of landscaping / biodiversity proposals when they are available.

As this is a remote rural area, it is considered that this proposal must not include any road lighting for the reasons listed below.

1. There are no hazards on this section of road where risk would be reduced through the provision of lighting.
2. The additional electrical load associated with any lighting would contribute to the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere.
3. Any lighting would produce "sky-glow" and "light pollution" in an inherently dark area.

Issues that would affect SAC’s cleaning service include

• any alteration including the creation or removal of lay-bys – SAC would require to remove any euro-bins and enclosure prior to the removal of the layby
• kerbing
• loose stone in design which would affect edge drainage
• possible difficulties sweeping a 2+1 .

Environmental Health request that cognisance be given to the impact any works may have on local residents ie nuisance from noise, dust or vibration.

The proposed works appear to include improvements at the junction with the unclassified U033 public road.

Specific comment on the junction improvements will be made on receipt of road layout, geometry, drainage layout and construction details.