New Local Plan for Stevenston Ready Now
Stevenston Unveils Their Vision for the Future with Local Place Plan
Exciting news has emerged from Stevenston Community Council as they proudly present their very own development plan for the local area. This innovative initiative, known as the Local Place Plan, empowers communities to actively participate in the planning process by presenting their ideas and proposals for how land should be developed and utilised.
North Ayrshire Council has shown its support for these community-led plans, acknowledging that they serve as a platform for residents to articulate their aspirations and offer solutions to key challenges such as the pressing global climate emergency and persistent inequalities within society. By outlining priorities for future development in the region, the Local Place Plan not only enables communities to spearhead their own projects but also fosters meaningful, community-driven change. Building on the success of West Kilbride’s Local Place Plan introduced last year, Stevenston has now followed suit, affirming the growing momentum behind this grassroots approach to planning.
In a statement, Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for islands and communities, emphasised the importance of community engagement in shaping the future development of North Ayrshire. He highlighted the significance of Local Place Plans in providing vital input for the council’s overarching Local Development Plans, underscoring their value in guiding strategic growth and progress.
The planning process in Stevenston entailed a comprehensive series of surveys and consultations, yielding over 200 responses from local residents. The proposals and key themes that emerged from these engagements include:
- Reimagining the town centre core to accommodate additional retail infrastructure and civic spaces
- Enhancing community green spaces behind New Street and Boglemart Street, potentially incorporating former gas works
- Establishing a dedicated meeting place, museum, or community facilities
- Prioritising the development of social housing
- Preserving the historic grounds of the former Kerelaw School, Ardeer Peninsula, and surrounding farmland
Upon registration by the council, a Local Place Plan assumes a pivotal role in influencing the formulation of the Local Development Plan, the strategic roadmap that shapes the future landscape of land and property development in the region.
