This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Decision on new stadium for Ayr United
18/10/2002
Scottish Ministers have today informed Heritage Scotland Limited that they are minded to grant planning permission for a new stadium for Ayr United Football Club at Heathfield, Ayr.
Planning permission will be granted once an agreement, covering a number of transport improvements, is completed.
The formal decision will be deferred, in the first instance, for three months to allow the developer and planning authority (South Ayrshire Council) to conclude the necessary agreement.
Scottish Ministers have also advised Heritage Scotland Limited that they have refused planning permission for an associated retail development at Heathfield.
Ministers concluded that the retail development is contrary to policies contained in the structure and local plans for the area and in National Planning Policy Guidance relating to retailing and transport.
In reaching their decision to refuse the retail development, Ministers considered representations from the developer and other interested parties regarding recent changes in retail expenditure in the Ayr catchment area. Ministers have concluded that any such changes in expenditure are not sufficient to outweigh the considerations against the retail development.
NPPG8 - Town Centres and Retailing - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/nppg/nppg8-00.htm
NPPG17 - Transport and Planning -http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/nppg/npg17-00.htm