A bid to expand a small rural cluster of homes outside Ayr has been knocked back by councillors.
The proposal for the erection of three large luxury homes at Barclagh, near Coylton, was opposed by residents of the existing housing, a courtyard development of seven homes built around a farmhouse.
Planners stated that the development of any more housing around the site would 'breach the threshold limit of the council's policies'.
In a report to South Ayrshire Council's Regulatory Panel, planners stated: "The application site is also physically, visually and functionally separated from the former farmsteading, and there are no defining features to suggest that the application site could reasonably be described as being an infill or gap site within a cluster of properties.
"A contemporary design approach is proposed, and the generally two-storey design and appearance of the proposed development is not in keeping with the predominant character or appearance of the former Barclaugh steading development which is located opposite the site."
Planners added that there was no element of social housing within the proposed development.
Ayrshire Roads Alliance recommended that the development be refused, deeming the access road 'inadequate' to serve an increased number of houses.
It was pointed out that the applicant had been informed, but that no proposals to upgrade the existing access were submitted.
Residents of the existing homes raised their concerns about the proposals and the potential for the development to overlook their own homes, with upper floor balconies included in their design.
Planners said that the balconies would be 'situated in proximity of the existing residential properties' but would still meet with the council's guidelines as their are located more than 18 metres from the existing properties.
However, they added that the 'distant viewing of nearby properties would potentially still occur' but would be dependent on variables, such as the weather, and would be an 'occasional, rather than a constant nuisance."
Another objection related to the height of the houses. Unlike the existing homes, which are one and a half storeys high and 'subservient' to the original farmhouse, the proposed houses would be two storeys tall.
Planners stated they were 'out of keeping with the existing courtyard development.
Objections were laid out around transport and road safety concerns arising from increased traffic.
It was stated that the path network in the area is 'very popular with a variety of users, such as , dog walkers, horseriders and cyclists'.
They stated that the existing access 'is poor and narrow, with no pavement/verge and passing places only'.
Labour councillor Duncan Towson told the panel that he knew the road quite well from a previous job.
He said: "There is a very large speedbump as well as dogwalkers and pedestrians. It is a challenging road with a blind corner, so I would echo the comments of the planning officer."
SNP Councillor Craig Mackay added: "I have a number of concerns, particularly in terms of the access road not being up to standard.
"We have to get the right decision for rural housing."
Independent Councillor Alec Clark, seconded by Councillor Towson, made a motion to refuse the application in line with the planning officer recommendations. This was agreed by the panel.
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