Description of local environment

Air Quality

This resurfacing scheme is being undertaken along the A77 carriageway, between Girvan and Lendalfoot, in South Ayrshire (See Figure 1). Local air quality is likely to be primarily influenced by traffic along the A77; however, secondary sources may include activities from surrounding agricultural and arable fields. Manual count point 10752, located along the A77 at NGR NX 13180 90100 approximately 4.8km southwest, shows that in 2024, the Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) for all motor vehicles was 3,963 with 632 (16%) of these being Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

There are three residential properties, including farming residences, located within 200m of the scheme extents. The closest property being Ardwell Cottage located adjacent to the A77 carriageway along the southbound (SB) carriageway. The closest farm is Ardwell Farm also located adjacent to the SB carriageway.

There are no other non-residential receptors located within 200m of the proposed works area.

Each Local Authority in the UK is responsible for reviewing and assessing air quality in their respective areas to ensure that the National air quality objectives are met. Where areas are failing to meet the National objectives, Local Authorities are required to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). South Ayrshire Council has not declared any AQMAs.

There are no sites registered on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) within 1km of the proposed area of works. There are no Air Quality Monitoring Stations situated within 200m of the scheme extents.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) UK Ambient Air Quality Map presents predicted background air pollutant concentrations across the UK. According to the 2024 dataset, background annual mean Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) concentrations within the proposed works area are approximately 1.53 µg/m³. This value is within National air quality pollution limits (40 µg/m³).

Cultural Heritage

A desk-based assessment has been undertaken using Pastmap online mapping tool. The study area covered a 300m radius for designated cultural heritage assets and a 200m radius for non-designated cultural heritage assets. Where an asset has been listed more than once, its highest statutory designation has been recorded.

No statutory cultural heritage features are located within 300m of the scheme extents. A Milestone is located adjacent to the A77 northbound (NB) carriageway within the extents of the proposed works at approximately NGR NX 16394 94633.

Historic Environment Records (HERs) and National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) provide local and national level information on Scotland’s historic environment. There are approximately six located within 200m, the closest being the following:

  • Ardwell NRHE (ID: 62087) which is a Farmhouse and Farmstead (Period unassigned) located 45m south of the carriageway.

Landscape and Visual Effects

Landscape

The proposed works are situated within a rural area between Lendalfoot and Girvan in South Ayrshire along the A77 carriageway. Both sides of the carriageway are bordered by grass verges and shrubbery with an absence of woodland. Ardwell Bay lies immediately west of the scheme extents, just before the Firth of Clyde. Adjacent agricultural and arable land is located to the south of the scheme extents.

Please refer to Road Drainage and the Water Environment for a detailed description of the water environment surrounding the scheme.

There are no historical or cultural landscape features within the scheme extents, however, a Milestone is located adjacent to the A77 carriageway approximately NGR NX 16394 94633.

The following ancient woodlands can be found within 500m of the scheme extents:

  • Crow Wood Long Established (of plantation origin) Ancient Woodland (Wood ID: 37187) located approximately 415m south of the works, and;
  • Crow Wood (other origin) Ancient Woodland (ID: 37188) located approximately 490m south of the scheme extents.

A desk top study has identified that no Garden and Designed Landscapes, National Scenic Areas (NSAs) or Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are present within 500m, or within visual proximity, of the proposed works.

According to NatureScot’s Landscape Character Type (LCT) Map, the LCT within the proposed works area can be classed as ‘Lowland - Raised Beach Coast and Cliffs’ which occurs in seven areas in Ayrshire, focused on thin strips of land on the western coastal edge of the mainland, facing towards the Firth of Clyde, and around the north-western and north-eastern coastal edge of the Isle of Arran.

Whilst there is no data available with regards to past land use as noted by the Historic Land Use Assessment (HLA) Map, current land used within the scheme extents has been identified as ‘Rectilinear Fields and Farms’. Field boundaries were designed to be rectilinear wherever possible, because it improved the efficiency of agriculture, tending to reduce unworkable corners. Recent amalgamation of these fields is common.

Visual Effects

Due to the lack of vegetative screening and lack of topographic screening, the scheme will be visible to multiple receptors, specifically those located adjacent to the SB carriageway within the extents of the proposed works area. Employees and residents of Ardwell Farm will also have views of the construction activities.

Visitors to Ardwell Bay are anticipated to have views of the scheme extents.

Transient visual receptors include road users (motorists, public transport users) travelling along the A77.

Core path SA2 runs adjacent to the scheme extents at its closest point, and users of this route are anticipated to have views of the works.

Biodiversity

Protected Areas

Lendalfoot Hills Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (ID: 8288) is located approximately 715m southeast of the works.

The Girvan to Ballantrae Coast Section Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (ID: 690) is located adjacent and partially within the scheme extents.

As works fall within the Girvan to Ballantrae Coast Section SSSI, consultation has been undertaken with NatureScot on 27 May 2026. This consultation concluded that the natural heritage interests within Girvan to Ballantrae SSSI are unlikely to be impacted by the works.

As works fall within 2km of the Lendalfoot Hills Complex SAC, a Stage 1 Habitat Regulations Appraisal is required prior to construction to determine if there are any likely significant effects (LSE).

This resource has not identified the presence of Local or National Nature Reserves within 200m of the scheme extents that are designated for ecological features. 

There are no TPOs located within 500m of the proposed works location.

Field Survey

As the construction activities include verge works, a competent Amey ecologist determined that a pre-construction field survey was required. The survey was undertaken on 3 June 2026.

Invasive Plants

A desktop study using the NBN Atlas has identified the following target species and Invasive Non-Native Species (NBN) within 500m of the proposed works:

  • Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), and;
  • Broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius).

Transport Scotland’s Asset Management Performance System has recorded the presence of the following species:

  • Common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), and;
  • Broad-leaved dock.

Geology and Soils

Geology

According to NatureScot’s Sitelink online research tool, Girvan Foreshore Geological Conservation Review Site (GCRS) (ID: 9619) is located within the scheme extents.

Lendalfoot Hills Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (ID: 8288) is located approximately 715m southeast of the works. This site is designated for the following:

  • Base-rich fens;
  • Dry heaths;
  • Grasslands on soils rich in heavy metals;
  • Species-rich grassland with mat-grass in upland areas;
  • Very wet mires often identified by an unstable 'quaking' surface, and;
  • Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath.

The Girvan to Ballantrae Coast Section (SSSI) (ID: 690) is located adjacent and partially within the scheme extents and is designated for geological features. Please see Biodiversity – Protected Areas for details.

Bedrock geology underlying the proposed scheme extents consists of Ardwell Farm Formation-Interbedded sandstone and argillaceous rocks in relatively equal proportions. These sedimentary rocks are marine in origin. They are detrital and comprise coarse to fine-grained slurries of debris from the continental shelf flowing into a deep-sea environment, forming distinctively graded beds.

Superficial deposits within the works and surrounding area has been identified as raised marine beach deposits of Holocene age-Gravel, sand and silt. These sedimentary deposits are shallow-marine in origin. They are detrital, generally coarse-grained forming beaches and bars in a coastal setting.

As works fall within Girvan Foreshore GCRS and Girvan to Ballantrae Coast Section SSSI, consultation has been undertaken with NatureScot on 27/05/2026. At present, no response has been received.

Soils

Scotland’s Soils Map has recorded that the component soil within the scheme extents consists of brown earths derived from raised beach sand and gravels produced from Carboniferous rocks with some Old Red Sandstone material. These soils are found on raised bean terraces and mounds with gentle slopes.

Towards the scheme ‘Start’, the component soil can be identified as being noncalcareous gleys derived from drifts produced from Lower Palezoic greywackes and shales. These can be found on foothills and depressions with gentle slopes.

Land Use and Contamination

The national scale land capability for agriculture can be classed as ‘2’ and ‘6.1’. This land is capable of producing a wide range of crops and the use as rough grazings with a high proportion of palatable plants.

There are no operational landfill sites located within 1km of the scheme extents.

Material Assets and Waste

Materials

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) will be used for the resurfacing works. Where practical, all materials will comply with Transport Scotland’s amendment to the Specification for Highway Works, Clause 908TS Warm Mix Asphalt, which sets out performance requirements for WMA mixtures. WMA requires less heat, reducing energy use, making it more environmentally friendly in comparison to hot mix asphalt.

Other material required will consist of the following:

  • Road studs;
  • Vehicle fuel and oil;
  • Road marking material, and;
  • Verge maintenance material – bollards, filter stones and chevron poles.

Materials will be obtained from recycled, secondary, or re-used origin as far as practicable within the design specifications to reduce natural resource depletion and associated emissions. For example, the binder and base courses used for resurfacing will contain a percentage of recycled material.

Wastes

Wastes are anticipated to be carriageway planings which will primarily be recycled at a licenced facility, thereby reducing the amount sent to landfill and promoting circular economy practices.

Coring investigations have identified the presence of coal tar. All special waste will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and accompanied by a correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste, the producer and the person the waste is being handed to; the SWCN will be kept for three years, the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained onsite.

A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will not be prepared prior to the works due to the scheme being less than £350,000 in value.

Noise and Vibration

Local noise and vibration are likely to be primarily influenced by traffic along the A77; however, secondary sources may include activities from surrounding agricultural and arable fields. For AADF details, please refer to the Air Quality section above.

There are three residential properties, including farming residences, located within 300m of the scheme extents. The closest property being Ardwell Cottage located adjacent to the A77 carriageway along the SB side. The closest farm is Ardwell Farm, which is also situated adjacent to the southbound carriageway.

The only non-residential sensitive noise and vibration receptor located within 300m of the scheme is Ardmillan Castle Holiday Park approximately 211m southeast.

According to Scotland’s Noise Map, modelled day-time noise levels (Lday) at the nearest receptors have been recorded to range between 66-67dB, whereas within the scheme extents, noise level ranges between 69-70dB. Noise level during nighttime hours (Lngt) within the surrounding area is approximately 62dB whereas within the scheme extents noise has been recorded to range between 64-65dB.

The works do not fall within any noise agglomerations (e.g. Glasgow, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh). An agglomeration refers to an urbanised area where the population more than 100,000 people and a population density equal to or greater than 500 people per km2.

The scheme extents do not fall within a Candidate Noise Management Areas (CNMA) as highlighted by Transport Scotland’s Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) (2024-2028).

Population and Human Health

Given the nature and scale of the proposed works, a reduced buffer distance of 300m has been adopted for the assessment of Population and Human Health impacts and the identification of associated mitigation measures.

Community Land and Assets

The scheme extents are situated within a rural area along the A77 carriageway between Lendalfoot and Girvan in South Ayrshire. This section of A77 provides key connectivity between smaller settlements, including Girvan and Ballantrae, and facilitates onward links to larger urban centres such as Stranraer and the city of Glasgow. These smaller towns, particularly Girvan, are primarily characterised by residential areas and a range of community facilities, including schools, places of worship, and recreational spaces.

There are no streetlights, bus stops or laybys located along the scheme extents.

Agriculture, Private Property and Housing

There are three residential properties located within 300m of the scheme extents, including associated farm residences. The closest property is Ardwell Cottage, situated adjacent to the A77 carriageway on the SB carriageway.

Agricultural fields border the SB carriageway, with the nearest holdings being Ardwell Farm, which is also located adjacent to the A77. This farm supports livestock and facilitates visitation from members of the public.

There are several access and egress points present within the scheme extents. Approximately four of these provide access to agricultural fields, while two serve residential properties. The access points to residential properties represent their sole means of vehicular access.

Development Land and Businesses

The only key community asset in addition to Ardwell Farm within 300m of the scheme is Ardmillan Castle Holiday Park approximately 211m southeast.

Walkers, Cyclists and Horse-Riders (WCH)

Core path SA2 runs adjacent to the scheme extents at the closest point. No other core paths have been identified within 300m of the scheme extents.

There are no National Cycle Network Routes or any bridleways located within 300m of the proposed works area.

Road Drainage and the Water Environment

Surface Water

Girvan coastal water body (ID: 200015) is located approximately 80m west at the closest point. This body of water has been recorded to have an overall ‘Good’ quality in 2024 as noted by the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

There are multiple unnamed, unclassified watercourses located within 500m of the scheme extents. There are no ponds located within 250m of the works area.

Drainage along the A77 carriageway within the scheme extents consist of catchpits and gullies.

The scheme is not located within a surface water Drinking Water Protected Area.

Flood Risk

According to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)’s Flood Risk Map, there are localised areas along the scheme extents that are predicted to experience a ‘Medium’ to ‘High’ (0.5%-10% probability per annum) likelihood of surface water flooding.

Girvan coastal waterbody also has a ‘High’ (10% probability per annum) likelihood of coastal water flooding.

Groundwater

Works do not fall within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Groundwater within the scheme extents can be classed as Girvan Coastal groundwater (ID: 150758) which has been recorded to have an overall ‘Good’ quality in 2024 according to the WFD.

Climate

Carbon Goals

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Scottish Carbon Budgets Amendment Regulations 2025 sets out the statutory framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. The prior annual and interim targets have been replaced by five-year carbon budgets, which sets limits on the amount of GHGs that can be emitted in Scotland.

The proposed carbon budgets are aligned with advice from the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and calculated in accordance with the 2009 Act. The 2025 Regulations define the baseline years for emissions reductions as 1990 for greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and 1995 for others such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride (as set out in Section 11 of the Act). The budgets are as follows:

  • 2026 - 2030: Average emissions to be 50% lower than baseline.
  • 2031 - 2035: Average emissions to be 60% lower than baseline.
  • 2036 - 2040: Average emissions to be 80% lower than baseline.
  • 2041 - 2045: Average emissions to be 94% lower than baseline.

These budgets are legally binding and will be supported by a new Climate Change Plan, which will outline the specific policies and actions required to meet the targets.

Transport Scotland remains committed to reducing carbon across Scotland’s transport network, this commitment is being enacted through the Mission Zero for Transport. Transport is the largest contributor to harmful climate emissions in Scotland, representing for 37% nationwide, and Transport Scotland are committed to reducing their emissions by 50% by 2030. To support this, Transport Scotland’s Fourth Carbon Management Plan is committed to reaching Net Zero emissions across corporate activities by 2027. This will contribute to achieving a legally binding target of net-zero by 2045.

Amey’s Company Wide Carbon Goal is to achieve Scope 1 and 2 net-zero carbon emissions, with a minimum of 80% absolute reduction on our emissions by 2035. Amey is aiming to be fully net-zero, including Scope 3 emissions, by 2040.

Amey are working towards a contractual commitment to have carbon neutral depots on the SW NMC network by 2028. Amey have set carbon goals for the SW NMC contract as a whole to be net-zero carbon by 2032.

Monitoring, Management and Opportunities

To support our journey towards carbon neutral and zero waste we include potential opportunities for enhancement utilising circular economy principals within assessment of material assets.

Amey (working on behalf of Transport Scotland) undertake carbon monitoring. Emissions from our activities are recorded using Transport Scotland’s Carbon Management System.

Further information identifying how Amey will obtain the above Carbon Goals can be viewed within the Carbon Management and Sustainability Plan Roadmap to net-zero: STRNMC – South West.