Homes on school site

New council houses are set to be built in Prestwick to take the place of a primary, which is on the move.

St Ninian’s, pictured right, is due to relocate to a new £ 19 million super school campus on the same site as Glenburn Primary.

South Ayrshire councillors gave the go- ahead for “affordable” homes to be erected on the current primary’s plot in Adamton Road North.

Catholic St Ninian’s will be demolished to make way for the properties after pupils flit to their new school building.

Labour councillor Philip Saxton said: “There is a lack of land in Prestwick. We don’t have sufficient land to build on.”

Welcoming the decision, councillor Ian Cochrane said: “I look forward to seeing houses on it in the not too distant future.”

The SNP politician pointed out the coastal town has a scarcity of development plots because it is surrounded by the sea and airport.

Giving it the thumbs up, councillor Peter Henderson said: “I really support this. It is ideal that we are planning early.”

Councillors made the decision on the affordable housing plans at the South Ayrshire Leadership Panel last week. Other options for the site were also considered including a garden centre, sports use, youth centre and cafe.

A council report said: “The option that would best align with the council’s policies and aspirations was the proposal to develop the site for affordable housing.”

It added: “There are limited opportunities in this part of Prestwick for a development of this type, so when one presents itself, the council should endeavour to pursue this option over others, if appropriate.”

Construction of the Prestwick Educational Campus is due to be finished by the end of 2021.

As well as Glenburn and St Ninian’s primaries there is to be a nursery at the campus.

Both primaries will retain their own identities.

Children can look forward to outdoor classrooms, multi- use games halls and allotments.