A PLACE Plan has been produced by Largs Community Council which will help determine the future outlook of the town.

The plan, which was created with the involvement of community consultation, includes leaving the door open for a cable car tourism attraction.

The place plan aims to independently set out the key aims and aspirations of the community including what is good and should be protected about the town.

It states: "A cable car from a location within Largs town to a viewpoint behind the Haylie Brae would offer a unique attraction and could offer incentive for more people to visit and spend more time in Largs.

"This could massively reduce traffic into Largs as well as alleviate parking issues.

"The likelihood of such a venture ever gaining traction may be limited, however, that in itself should not mean the idea is excluded from the Place Plan.

"There is support for such an idea and even if no funding is available, this idea has been included for consideration."

The plan draws attention to Scotland's first 'Alpine roller coaster' at Midlothian Sports Centre in Hillend, which is expected to exceed 150,000 visitors per year.

Other tourism opportunities are outlined including the creation of coach parking, railway infrastructure improvements, and bringing 'Park and Ride/Walk' back to the table for the town.

A popular proposal of having a parking area at the foot of May Street as a park and walk scheme is also suggested.

New car parks on Bath Street while extending the decriminalised parking in the town centre to 90 minutes, as opposed to an hour, also feature.

Largs Community Council has sought to identify known community groups who may have an interest in providing their own vision for the place plan.

Frank Alexander has been involved in a sub-group of Largs Community Council in preparing place plan which will help determine future planning applications in LargsFrank Alexander has been involved in a sub-group of Largs Community Council in preparing place plan which will help determine future planning applications in Largs (Image: Newsquest)

The community council describes Largs as 'the jewel in the crown' of North Ayrshire and west of Scotland, stating: "It is acknowledged that Largs does offer much to visitors, there are many untapped resources locally that could add to the bustling local economy.

Toilet provision in the town has been under threat of closure for some time, and the Place Plan states that there is unanimous opposition to this from residents, visitors and elected members.

The facilities at Aubery, Mackerston, Broomfields and the Pencil are in need of upgrade, and the plan states that using the seafront car park revenue could be used to provide funding for the necessary upgrades.

The Place Plan also includes hopes and visions and protecting land for projects at Douglas Park tennis courts, as well as maintaining the former Sir Thomas Brisbane observatory.

The plan will feed into North Ayrshire's Local Development Plan which is the criteria used which helps determine future planning applications in the area.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "This will be North Ayrshire's third Local Development Plan.

"The planning system in Scotland considers the development and use of land and buildings.

"A local development plan (LDP) is a long-term plan that describes where and how development - for example new houses - should and should not take place.

"LDPs are important documents setting out how the places people live, work in and visit will change in the future.

"We are at the start of preparing a new Local Development Plan - LDP3 - for the North Ayrshire Council area.

"It will be a new long-term spatial plan for North Ayrshire and needs your input to create a plan that is place-based, people-centred and delivery-focused."

You can view the full place plan at http://northayrshire.community/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NAC_LCC_Local_Place_Plan.pdf.

Largs Community Council hosts its monthly meeting at Vikingar! on December 12 at 7pm, which is open to the public.