Word reached me recently that a local developer has applied for planning permission to extend Fairlie Village Northwards!

On hearing this information I thought it best to check this information on the local council website and true enough they have. RDK construction wish to build a Bar/Restaurant/Garden Centre on an area of countryside between Largs and Fairlie.

I imagine and hope this will receive many objections from the local community, however some may welcome this idea and it is to you (kind and beautiful) people I hope to try and sway!

If you look at a local map over the area it is easy to see that the coast has been highly developed on. From North of Largs all the way down to South of Hunterston, North Ayrshire Council has labelled the coastal zone as developed except however, a few hundred metres of land to the North of Fairlie which has been left untouched. Enclosed between the marina and Fairlie Quay is a stretch of countryside that is a sanctuary to many different species of wildlife.

Some may think that areas of countryside are in abundance where we live; however, this area is a unique interface between land and sea. Seabirds, waders, birds of prey and many more seek shelter here at night and in harsh weather conditions. With this comes even more species and, thus, a hugely diverse ecosystem has been created. Why would anyone want to see this special and beautiful location cemented over or covered in foreign species of plants in pots?

However, it is not just the garden centre RDK wish to build, no, they want to build a bar/restaurant too!

Full report in the Largs News of February 17 Patrick Warden