Fate of £48m housing plan for outskirts of Ayr to be decided next week

The fate of a £48m housing plan on the outskirts of Ayr - that includes almost 350 new homes - will be decided at a crunch meeting of South Ayrshire Council’s planning committee next Tuesday.

The local authority’s Regulatory Panel (Planning) will meet next week to discuss proposals for the massive development on land to the east of the A77 from Holmston Roundabout to Bankfield Roundabout.

The proposals, with a construction value placed at £48m, also includes class 1 “commercial developments” such as retail; class 2 “professional services” and class 3 food and drink outlets and office space with associated access.

The proposed site lies to the south-east of Holmston roundabout, Ayr, over an area of approximately 34 hectares.

As many as 88 homes would be earmarked for affordable housing, 110 jobs would be created during the construction phase and a new pedestrian/cyclist underpass under the A77 would be provided to facilitate a “safe crossing.”

Behind the plans are Glasgow-based property consultancy firm Iceni Projects Ltd, who say they’ve submitted proposals, in principal, on behalf of their client James Craig Ltd.

However, Ayrshire Live can reveal that the planning committee has been advised to REJECT the proposals when they come up for discussion.

Council papers claim that the application “has not demonstrated” that there is a “need” for a residential development in the area concerned.

They also say there is “no evidence” to suggest that the development would result in a “net economic benefit” or “contribute significantly” to the implementation of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, the “regeneration” of Ayr, or result in “overriding community interest.”

There are also concerns over the impact on the local roads network with papers saying that the implications on the local roads, as a result of the development, “cannot be fully determined” at this time.

In addition, it is “not known” whether the engineering requirements to provide an underpass under the A77 are “viable and deliverable.”

And in a further blow to the developers, council papers claim “it is not clear” whether the possibility of dualling of the A77 from Whitletts to Holmston Roundabouts is “viable and deliverable.”

The development would also be introduced at a “prominent site and location” and at a scale and density that would “adversely impact” the landscape character and skyline, according to papers.

Even the Council’s Education Service has expressed “serious concerns” that the proposals would present “significant school pupil placement challenges.”

Fifty objections have already been lodged with South Ayrshire Council.

Gill Gibbons said in her objection: “The infrastructure is not in place for this. The roads can not support the extra traffic through the A70 and the Holmston roundabout. The local schools are already at capacity and cannot support more housing.”

Lisa Judson said: “The A70 and A77 are already busy roads, traffic is going to be horrendous should this application succeed.”

And Cecilia Conroy said: “This has not been publicised widely enough or timely enough for appropriate objections to be made. This has major implications for the entire town, not just the immediate vicinity. This area is designated Green Belt land and should stay that way. “

In their Statement of Community Benefit, Iceni Projects Ltd said: “The proposed development would provide a significant contribution to the community by providing new homes including much needed affordable homes, new active travel infrastructure including a safe crossing of the A77, road infrastructure improvements and socio-economic benefits.

"The proposed development therefore ensures that focus for the site is on community and place benefits for all.”

Read next:

• Scotland fan sees Euros song become 'unofficial' Tartan Army anthem for Germany

• Coffee shop boss has 'mixed emotions' as new owners take charge

• Bowling alley and golf simulator plan lodged at former Ayrshire shop

• New boutique hotel and apartments to open in Prestwick this summer

• Construction work starts on £7.8 million new housing project on site of former Ayrshire school

Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter