A PROPOSAL for three new homes in Ayr has been rejected over concerns about flooding.

The land on Auchendoon Crescent was put in for planning permission. However, the issue of flooding, as well as wildlife on the site, led councillors to knock the plan back last week.

The land sits between two existing residential properties, number 39 and 49.

Planning permission was previously refused for a larger development at the same proposed site with 76 houses.

A second application was put in at the same site as the first application except for four houses. This was withdrawn to allow further review of the localised flooding issue.

In the development application, it says the sitting of the three dwellings will keep the same characteristics and material of the surrounding houses and vehicular and pedestrian access will be taken from the Auchendoon Crescent.

However, this planning application received a large number of complaints from neighbours and locals, mainly because of the flooding and the wildlife that live on the proposed green field site.

Resident Mr Hollywood, who lives at 39 Auchendoon Crescent, directly next to proposed site, attended the planning meeting.

He said: “One of the key issues with building on this site is flooding. I have stayed in my house for 10 years and I have been flooded out over three times so this is really relevant.

“I’ve had South Ayrshire Council’s departments come to my house four times, witnessing the flooding and putting in water pumps to get rid of the water.

“It’s farcical to actually assume that you can build three houses in this area knowing that the whole area they are looking at is in a easily flooded area.

“Why are these three houses needed? There are going to be 800 new houses just up the road in Ayr so why waste the open space? Why risk a flooding disaster?”

Cllr Bill Grant supported the rejection of the proposed site.

He said: “I’m adding my support to those who objected this proposal. This area is designated as open space.

“It is an area that is at constant risk of flooding and it is an area that is designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a confirmed wildlife site and it would have a certain impact on the ecology.

“This site has previously be refused for permission because of these circumstances and there is no particular need for more houses in this area.”

Cllr Ann Galbraith, said: “I have concerns with this and it may be three houses now but it could lead onto more. It is clearly a precious site in Ayr.”

Another councillor on the Panel added: “This is an interesting application. It is part of a designated open space and it is part of a wildlife wet land. 

“We have been down this road before on this site and really for the sake of three houses, we do not wish to destroy part of a wildlife wet land and spoil the outlook from the crescent.

“I can see where the argument is coming from but I don’t like it.”

Cllr Ian Douglas concluded the application should be refused on the motion that the area is part of an area designated as open space.