The proposal has been subject to an environmental impact assessment for both the planning application and its marine licencing, Allan Finlayson, chief planning officer, confirmed to councillors at a recent meeting.
The application site is 40 hectares which takes up all of the construction yard apart from the north east corner which is set to be a salmon fish farm development by Bakkafrost.
One of the key conditions is that no infill material shall be brought to the site by road.
At the planning meeting, independent councillor Ian Murdoch sought assurances in relation to environmental and transportation issues, and said: “The underwater works are subject to a separate environmental impact assessment and marine licence which is not part of this planning application but this application is connected to this and we should be looking for an assurance that the site of specific scientific interest is protected at all times.
Cllr Murdoch sought further assurances over environmental concerns of community at planning meeting (Image: North Ayrshire Council)
“Where will the infill material be coming from? We should have an assurance it comes by rail or sea – but my preference is that it should come by sea as it is almost certain that the commercial traffic on the railway will have a detrimental impact on public service trains.”
Mr Finlayson pointed out that the environmental impact assessments were put in place in order to address environmental matters raised, and stated that the applicants had prepared this well in advance, with the council being a consultee on the Marine Scotland EIA application.
He added that the applicant’s infill works are intended to come from dredging, with restrictions put in place for the infill to arrive by sea or rail, should the need arise, but in effect, this was not a matter for the council.
The redevelopment works – which are expected to start in early 2025 and last for around two years – will include substantial upgrades to the marine yard, including infilling the current dry-dock basin and the creation of a new quay wall.
Cllr Murdoch said that his constituents were concerned in relation to noise impact and sought further assurance in relation to people living close to the development.
Mr Finlayson said: “In the run-up to the planning committee, discussions were held with the applicant, and they are fully aware of the council’s intention to attach restrictions to where materials come from.
“The applicant’s intentions are that materials come from dredging, and if that is not the case the condition would restrict material to coming from sea or rail.
“I can’t give any detail of which is more likely and it is not a consideration of the council but I can give greatest assurance that the council is fully committed that the site is being serviced to means other than by road.
“The applicant has carried out positive consultations with the community, and the conditions are there to be enforced should they be breached and they have been shared with the applicant who has not sought any amendments to what is being proposed.”