South Ayrshire Council has announced proposals to build a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Coylton. The local authority has lodged planning proposals and earmarked a section of recreation ground in Hole Road.
Facility details and purpose
A design and access statement says: “The proposed Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is intended to provide an enhanced community sports and recreation facility within the existing public recreation ground at Hole Road, Coylton. The facility will contribute to improving opportunities for outdoor recreation and physical activity for local residents.”
According to the application, the MUGA will be available for community recreational use and informal sporting activities. The facility is also intended primarily to “serve local residents and community groups” and is “not proposed” as a commercial or regional sporting venue.
Floodlighting and operational hours
Floodlighting and fencing is proposed to enable safe use of the facility during periods of reduced daylight and will be controlled by automatic timers. The statement continues: “The operational hours of the floodlighting can be regulated through any planning condition considered necessary by the Planning Authority. Typically, for similar facilities within the Council’s estate, floodlighting shuts off at 9:30pm.”
“The facility will accommodate a range of informal recreational and sporting activities typical of a multi-use games area, including football, basketball and other ball games. The MUGA will generally be available for use during daylight hours throughout the year.”
Play equipment relocation and management
Existing play equipment currently located within the proposed MUGA footprint will be “relocated” within the recreation ground, the application says, to “facilitate construction” of the MUGA. The type and quantity of play equipment will remain “unchanged.”
The application states: “The facility will be managed as part of South Ayrshire Council’s existing parks and recreational infrastructure. Routine inspection and maintenance will be undertaken in accordance with the Council’s normal asset management procedures.”
The proposals are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision is expected in late November.
