Village farmland could be site for 250 homes

Farmland in Dundonald could be transformed into up to 250 homes.

A raft of objections have been lodged against the proposal from Hope Homes for Kilmarnock Road. But planning permission ‘ in principle’ was granted by councillors sitting on the South Ayrshire Council Regulatory Panel last week.

The site pinpointed for the new estate measures 14.2 hectares and has been zoned for housing in the council’s local development plan. Early details show a mixture of one and two storey properties. There is to be open spaces within the estate.

The design has been described as a ‘ housing cluster’ with different street elevations to avoid repetition. Some homes would be set closer to roads than others. An objection on behalf of residents belonging to the Castle Grange Owners Association said: “The village in general has limited resources to facilitate another influx of residents.” Residents described the school as too small and said the village had “limited amenities.”

Originally a commercial bus service was supposed to be laid on as part of conditions to build but that is no longer required. Instead Hope Homes need to put in measures to encourage public transport and make payments towards schooling. Conditions also include new bus stop shelters with LED solar powered lighting on Kilmarnock Road.

A pedestrian crossing to the new bus stops must also be provided. In addition Hope Homes have promised to build social housing properties. The company cannot begin building work until further more detailed planning applications are approved. Dundonald has a population of about 2600.