A £48 million housing plan for the outskirts of Ayr has attracted scores of objections.
Developers are seeking planning permission in principle for a “residential development” for as many as 350 new homes.
The proposals also include 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.
As many as 88 homes would be earmarked for affordable housing, 110 jobs will be created during the construction phase and the total cost of the build is expected to be £48m.
A new pedestrian/cyclist underpass under the A77 would be provided to facilitate a “safe crossing”.
The deadline for public comments expired on Tuesday and there’s been considerable opposition to the proposed development.
Margaret Robertson, of Cumnock, said in her objection: “Apart from the environmental impact this could have on the land and to the wildlife what effect is this going to have on the residents already living nearby?
“Also, how much disruption is going to be caused to people going to the crematorium? I hate to think how many years this work will take if it does go ahead.”
Alex Lumsden, of Ayr, said: “The proposal to build an underpass into Cloverhill will change the character of this area. Previous experience of existing underpasses shows that they attract an undesirable element which leads to continuous anti-social behaviour.
“Secondly, the roads around Holmston roundabout already cannot cope with volumes of traffic regularly experienced.”
Ruth Grant, of Ayr, said: “Traffic congestion at Holmston and Bankfield roundabouts, which is already an issue, will be even worse with 350 new properties with potentially two cars per household.”
She added: “And the crematorium is a quiet, peaceful place where I go often, to the Garden of Remembrance, and a housing estate in front of this would have a huge impact on the beautiful peaceful area.”
Even South Ayrshire Council’s education department said they have “considerable reservations” over the immediate “accommodation of pupils” arising from the proposed development.
Iceni Projects Ltd has lodged the application in principle with the council, on behalf of its client James Craig Ltd, a firm which owns Ayr Auction Mart and land at the Old Toll.
The developers claim 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.
The application is “pending consideration” on the council’s online planning portal.
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