Argyll and Bute Council approves development masterplan for Ardyne and a planning application for a new fish processing centre

People in Cowal, and across Argyll and Bute, can look to a major jobs boost after councillors this week approved a planning application for a new fish processing facility, associated infrastructure and new road access at Ardyne Point, as well as a masterplan which will guide the future development of the area.

A major development on a disused ‘brownfield’ site, £19million will be invested in construction making a significant contribution to employment opportunities in the local area. Once the site becomes operational it is expected that it will support 150 jobs directly and around 180 indirectly, adding over £7million to the Argyll and Bute economy.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor David Kinniburgh, chair of the council’s planning committee, said: ‘’We wholeheartedly support this development; it will be a great boost to the economy of South Cowal in particular and Argyll and Bute in general. A particularly important feature is the masterplan which identifies potential future developments in the wider Ardyne Point area.

‘’The plan is flexible but includes areas for tourism, business, leisure, housing, marine and aquaculture developments. Masterplans are key documents which describe and map an overall development concept, providing a clear and consistent framework which ensures future projects complement each other. This site can now be developed in a sensible and sustainable way, benefiting both developers and the wider community.

‘’The council’s planning service is focussed on making things happen, supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration.  This is another demonstration of our open for business approach, working with developers to ensure a best fit for all.’’

Policy Lead for Sustainable Economic Growth, Councillor Aileen Morton, also welcomed the news, saying: ‘’This is a real good news story for the area and a great example of the public and private sectors working together to create jobs. The council has worked closely with Ardyne Estates as they have developed their proposals and we are delighted the project now has the go-ahead.

‘’We will continue to support Ardyne Estates as they press ahead with their developments, offering any advice and support we can. Our main aim is economic growth, creating jobs and attracting people to the area and projects like this are very welcome.

‘’We look forward to working with the estate on their future proposals now that a strategic framework is in place to enable the type of job-creating developments that we all want to see.’’

Further information can be found via the planning portal on the council website, using reference number 15/02001/MPLAN and 15/01849/PP.

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