Council push on with plan for land
But bosses say they will listen to objections from townsfolk
He said: “The rewards outweigh the objections.”
The popular Old Racecourse is used by residents and clubs for football, rugby, running and dog walking.
Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council said: “The Old Racecourse is common good land belonging to the people of Ayr.
“It does not belong to South Ayrshire Council to dispose of.”
The Ayrshire Golf Trust is seeking funding from Sportscotland and other bodies to make it happen. It is estimated costs could run between £ 410,000 to £ 465,000.
The meeting heard consultation would take place on the venture and objections will be considered.
Councillors approved a paper on the plan this week.
They gave the go- ahead for council officials to undertake work “to progress a petition to the sheriff” to change usage of the open space.
They also approved the possibility of ploughing £ 200,000 into the academy bid.
Maintenance of the grounds would also cost the council £ 21,000 annually.