Big plans turned down

A housing estate of 300 homes has been knocked back in Monkton.

Councillors refused the application for planning in principle from Barratt Homes and Rochpion Properties last week.

Village residents lodged 30 objections against the bid to build on Kilmarnock Road.

Prestwick Councillor Hugh Hunter, who voted against it, said: “While I can see the value of another 300 homes in South Ayrshire, I believe the price the village of Monkton would have to pay would be too high.

“I encourage the developers to find a different site for the development as I’m sure it would be welcome elsewhere in South Ayrshire.”

The application also included a park and ride site. Objectors raised more than 50 concerns including about flooding, building on greenbelt and increased traffic.

Monkton Community Council chair Harry Middleditch said the sewerage system is “overburdened” and the roads around the village are at “gridlock.”

He described the education system as already at “breaking point.”

Mr Middleditch said: “The developers are not interested in the people who reside in the existing village but more in the shareholders who benefit from the sale of the houses. With the addition of this development and the previous Persimmons one the village of Monkton will vanish and become a dormitory town.”

Ayrshire Housing supported the bid as it would have offered about 75 affordable homes.

Barratt Homes said the development would bring a £ 75 million investment.

The council’s planning officials recommended refusal of the proposal.

Councillors voted against it at a special council meeting held in private.