Residents of East Ayrshire are to be given the chance to have a say in the future development of the council, following the launch of the new Main Issues Report (MIR).

The council is consulting local people on the Report, which will play a major part in shaping the Local Development Plan.

A statement on the East Ayrshire Council website said: "For local residents and companies, the report presents a great opportunity to consider a range of options on how key issues should be tackled and makes sure that they are included in the new Local Development Plan."

The Plan will detail the future of East Ayrshire once published in 2015 and will set out strategy and policies to guide development and conditions for planning applications.


It will also layout policy on issues regarding wind farm development, affordable housing and flood prevention.

Consultation on the Main Issues Report is running from 12 November 2012 to 25 January 2013.

It will be on display at all East Ayrshire libraries, the Council offices on Strand Street, London Road in Kilmarnock and the Cumnock Area Centre on Greenholm Road.

It can also be viewed online at www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said; "The Main Issues Report highlights a huge range of issues that affect us all in East Ayrshire. It includes such issues such as the Dark Sky Park in the Doon Valley, the future use of the former Johnnie Walker site in Kilmarnock and the need for a new industrial site in Stewarton.

"The Report really illustrates the level of activity that is taking place across the length and breadth of East Ayrshire."

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration said: "Although the Main Issues Report highlights the Council’s preferred options, these are in no way set in stone and will very much be shaped by the feedback we get. I would encourage everyone to have a look at the Report and give us their views."

(IT/GK)