Golfers strike out at flats plan teeing off
Seafront homes project in flak from nearby club
Golfers at the birthplace of the Open Championship have hit out at a potential new housing plot.
Prestwick members insist their history is at stake ahead of a planning D- day on the proposed build on the town’s seafront.
Developers McCarthy and Stone want to put 69 assisted living flats on the site of the former Malcolm Sargent children’s cancer home.
But their designs, which face widespread objection, have been attacked for having “no architectural merit”.
Angry members at the golf club, whose famous course neighbours the development, have launched a robust defence of their own fairways.
Club planning consultant , Mhairi Shaw, said: “There are no circumstances where it could be argued that the proposed development fits within the established development pattern of the area.
“In particular, the introduction of a building of this scale and massing, whereby a flat roof has been utilised in an attempt to mitigate the overall height of the development, is totally incongruous in this setting.”
She added: “Whilst it is accepted, as stated by the applicant, that this is a prime location for potential residents of the proposed development in terms of outlook, this is not the case for those who would experience the proposed building from their seafront.”
Bosses at the golf club, which staged at the inaugural Open in 1860 and employs around 50 staff, are fearful of the negative impact such a development would have overlooking their sacred links.
And Ms Shaw added: “The club already experiences pressure entering and egressing its site and this is exacerbated during weekends and events.
“Given the parking pressures within the town and in relation to Prestwick station, it is common for the area around the club, including both sides of Links Road, to be utilised for parking by the public.
“This parking usage frequently causes conflict and disruption to the club and the surrounding residents.
“The addition of a further 69 units, should consent be granted for the proposed development, can only serve to worsen this situation if adequately addressed.”
Other objectors to the plan include Prestwick North Community Council and a raft of local residents.
A spokesman for McCarthy and Stone said: “As part of the pre application consultation process we carried out extensive consultation with the Golf Club with a genuine desire and willingness to address the club’s concerns, especially in regard to the shape of the building.
“We believe the revised application reflects the feedback from the Golf Club and wider public that we received during this process.
“The proposed development is of a high quality contemporary design, providing a landmark building befitting of its coastal setting which appropriately completes the urban form at this location.
“South Ayrshire’s households are ageing; around 27 per cent of households will be over 75 by 2037.
“The site represents an excellent opportunity to provide much needed housing for the frail elderly in Prestwick and South Ayrshire generally.”