Plans for three houses rejected

A bid to build three houses in a rural hamlet has been rejected by councillors.

A resident wanted to erect the detached properties behind a house in the countryside surrounding Annbank and Coylton.

Marie Gilks applied for planning in principle for the development at Willow Grove, Springs.

But planning officials said the homes would be “visually prominent” and spread into the unspoilt scenic landscape.

Officers also said the plan was not on an unallocated housing site. Neighbours also objected to the plan.

Planning consultant Mike Evans described Springs as one of the largest clusters in South Ayrshire with 14 homes already there.

He said the cluster should be allowed to expand by 50 per cent.

Previously officials judged two houses were acceptable for the site but three is considered too many.

Speaking at the South Ayrshire Council Regulatory Planning Panel, Mr Evans said: “We can not see any logic or argument for not accepting three.”

He added: “The site is literally invisible.

It cannot be seen at any vantage point.”

Council official Michael McClelland said: “This is about the impact of the development.”

Councillor Peter Convery suggested that a site visit might be helpful but it was deemed unnecessary by other politicians on the panel.

Officers said the application should be turned down. In keeping with the official recommendation, councillors knocked it back.

There were seven objections and two supporting comments.

People worried the proposal was not in keeping with the rural area and would impact on wildlife.

There were also concerns about privacy and whether the site infrastructure could cope with more houses.