Vacant and derelict land

North Ayrshire Council maintains a register of vacant and derelict land as part of the annual Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey. We visit, assess, and record changes to sites greater than 0.1 hectare that:

• have previously been developed
• are considered unused or damaged

Sites that have fallen out of use since the previous year are added to the register. We remove sites that have been developed, or no longer meet selection criteria.

Our Vacant and derelict land register shows current sites.

The council is always updating its records relating to Vacant & Derelict Land (VDL) and would greatly appreciate insights regarding plans landowners have for sites they own. Understanding ambitions, including any timelines, challenges, or constraints that may have delayed development or sale, will help us gain a clearer picture of why some sites experience delays. If you are an owner of a vacant and derelict site, please complete the form below to update us with the progress of your site.

Many of the sites on the VDL register are identified by Officers during routine work, meaning there could be more sites that go unnoticed. If you are aware of a site that does not appear on our Vacant and derelict land register then please let us know the details by completing the following form.

The Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) Fund aims to tackle long-term vacant and derelict land in Scotland. The fund focuses on projects that promote innovation in greening techniques. Its objectives are to:

• boost economic growth
• create jobs
• promote environmental justice and improve quality of life
• support communities to flourish and tackle inequalities

North Ayrshire Council is one of five local authorities to receive a share of the fund. Funding is part of local government budget settlement, as agreed with Scottish Government. Expenditure of funds is approved annually by council Cabinet. This is subject to the submission and approval of a local delivery plan to the Scottish Government.

Cabinet reports:

• VDL funding - 2018
• VDL funding - 2019
• VDL funding - 2021
• VDL funding - 2022

In 2022, North Ayrshire contained 12% of all vacant and derelict land in Scotland. This is one of the highest proportions of any Scottish council.

The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Register and Buildings at Risk Register combined, identify over 250 sites. Most of these are in private ownership. Many need redevelopment and are subject to a legacy of issues, including:

• undermining
• contamination
• deterioration
• major industrial closures

Reasons for the lack of redevelopment include economic, locational, or physical constraints. A lack of financial viability remains a common theme.

Progress towards the re-use of sites includes steps to regenerate Strategic Development Areas identified in the Local Development Plan. Many sites continue to impact our communities and represent local priorities for action.

A strategy refresh provides an opportunity to review themes, aspirations, and challenges of vacant and derelict land in North Ayrshire. The strategy will consider how vacant and derelict land fits within national and local priorities and objectives. This includes:

• community wealth building
• the challenge of net-zero
• the climate emergency

The Vacant and derelict land strategy document has been developed following stakeholder and local community consultation. It proposes themes and actions to address the issues of land within our communities.