Residents, community groups and local businesses are all being asked to contribute their views on a new Main Issues Report, which sets the priorities for future planning and development throughout the area.

Publication of the Main Issues Report (MIR) is the first step in the process of preparing a new Local Development plan to replace the current one which was adopted in 2017. It takes into account all the factors and circumstances that have changed since the previous plan was implemented and gives communities and planners alike an opportunity to consider whether fresh approaches are needed.  The MIR examines climate change from a local perspective, sustainable transport links and what infrastructure is needed to improve quality of life.”

Councillor Jim Roberts, East Ayrshire Council member for economy and infrastructure, said: “I am sure many residents of East Ayrshire will want to make the most of this opportunity to look at what’s on the planning agenda, comment and take part in what is a genuine debate on the proposals.

“At this stage, nothing is set in stone. The more everyone gets involved and gives their input the better our overall Local Development Plan 2 will be.

“We’re urging people to visit our webpages, take a look at the Main Issues Report and its supporting documents and then either give us their feedback via our online survey or using a printable form, which can be emailed or posted back to us. Full details of the reports and how to make a formal response are on our website’s consultations page.

“Under normal circumstances, we’d be holding public events and local exhibitions as part of this consultation, unfortunately, however, the current situation with COVID-19 means this will not be possible at the moment. Instead, we may look at holding some kind of online meeting for anyone with questions or points to raise and we will try to organise more traditional consultation events on the MIR later in the year.”

The closing date for submissions about the Main Issues Report is July 31.