The Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) heralds the intent by Barony NP (UK) Ltd to submit a new application for planning permission in principle (PPiP), following a minimum 12 weeks of public consultation, which will include two events to be held at venues local to the development.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), required by East Ayrshire Council, will be submitted as part of the planning application, together with evidential geotechnical and engineering information. This will focus specifically on the suitability of the ground conditions of the ‘bing’ for the development of lightweight guest accommodation and facilities.

Allocated for recreational and leisure uses by East Ayrshire Council, Barony Wellness is proposed to be the first true nature-based wellbeing destination in Europe. This will incorporate managed planting of Scottish flora to increase biodiversity and encourage future natural development

Local public consultation events will be held, with the first on Tuesday 27th June from 4pm-7.30pm at Ochiltree Community Hub, and the second at the beginning of August at a venue to be confirmed.

The proposed non-exclusive health and wellness destination will stimulate local economic growth, and encourage significant inward investment, creating around 400 local jobs. It will also support many more in the business supply chain, where priority will be given to local trades and businesses.

Education, training and work opportunities for young and vulnerable adults of all ages will be a priority, with volunteering opportunities offered in a welcoming and safe environment.

Local trades, crafts and businesses will be encouraged to showcase their services, especially those using natural ingredients grown on site in a circular ecology sympathetic economy.

A mining heritage museum is proposed to reconnect the local community with the former coal site, also paying tribute to the industry and those that worked in the mine, especially those who suffered injury or who lost their lives. It is felt to be important that future generations are aware what the site meant to the local community. Barony NP (UK) Limited will support The Barony A-Frame Trust with its future plans.

The development will also aim to incorporate and demonstrate the latest in renewable energy technology, including geo-thermal energy from the warm mine water beneath the surface.

A proportion of the profits accrued from the development by National Pride UK CIC will be reinvested back into community wellbeing projects and to support NHS student training.

Irene Bisset, chair of National Pride UK, said: “We are delighted to be progressing this planning application and to provide reassurance on the ground conditions through an Environmental Impact Assessment.

“The Eco-Therapy Wellness Park will serve to enhance the biodiversity of the currently unmanaged site and deliver considerable investment and employment opportunities in East Ayrshire, in what we believe will be the first true nature-based wellbeing destination in Europe.

“We look forward to engaging with the local community as we progress these exciting proposals.”