SOUTH Ayrshire Council have approved funding on three new sites for a possible affordable housing development.

The news came at the leadership panel on Tuesday, January 17, which was chaired by council leader Bill McIntosh. 

The three sites in question are the old Whitletts Primary School, the Social Work Office in Main Street, Prestwick and Ladyland Road in Maybole.

It was announced in May 2016 that the Scottish Government had allocated £7.343 million for to South Ayrshire to support
additional affordable housing delivered both by the council and registered social landlords.

The Social Work Office in Prestwick was previously the town’s police station.

The sale of the land will be split 60-40 between South Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland.

Councillors at the meeting were happy to approve the funding for the new sites ahead of any new planning application that may come in for affordable housing.

But it was revealed that for every new affordable house built in Prestwick, there would be 17-20 applicants. 

Ayr Councillor Bill Grant said: “I welcome the paper for more affordable housing.

“These sites would fit the plan.

“I’ve had many emails about the buildings, in relation to Prestwick - I believe there are 17-20 applicants per home?”

Housing officer David Burns confirmed this, adding: “Yes, Prestwick is in very high demand.

“It is very difficult.”

Prestwick Councillor Margaret Toner praised the idea of new affordable housing.

She said: “We are short of houses. The council are short and this is an ideal place for the elderly and the not so elderly.

“It will be good to get more people to come to the thriving town centre.”

There were concerns from councillors that the property in Prestwick could be a listed building.

“However it was confirmed that the building was not listed.

Councillor Rita Miller said: “I welcome the Whitletts Primary site. Good to see it going to good use.

“We had a similar development in Lochside which was very successfu.

“If we did something similar then it would be good.

“The houses are more energy efficient and family friendly.”

No plans for affordable housing have yet to be submitted to South Ayrshire Council.

Housing Officer David Burns said: “All plans will have to be considered by the community and put before community councils.”

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