FRESH fears about the future of Burton Farm on Ayr’s Dunure Road have emerged.

Residents have revealed a developer is looking to buy the farm and could create a new residential area. Objectors feel this would spoil the scenic views from the A719.

A concerned member of the public said at a public meeting: “This is an old farm which was sold to builders some 15 years ago.

“The land owners could be tempted to sell if they were offered the right price. The developer does not own the land but if he did manage to buy the farm he would be able to do what he wanted with it.”

The site has already been assessed and included in a South Ayrshire Local Development plan when a proposal was submitted to use the land for residential and other uses.

The applicant had argued the farm would have good access onto Dunure Road, the National Cycle Route and would compliment the council’s ‘longstanding aspiration for a golf course at Greenan as well as provide an opportunity for Ayr’s southern boundary’. 

A site assessment found development would change its landscape and character. A report stated the housing development would conflict with the Local Development Plan strategy and it was considered the site would not not be suitable.

New concerns have been raised by objectors who feel that fresh proposals would result in the loss of quality agricultural land in South Ayrshire.

Although no formal application has been made to South Ayrshire planning, they are encouraging locals to take part in this year’s LDP review, available on South Ayrshire Council website until Wednesday, January 31.

Jill Cronin, Head of Enterprise, Development and Leisure, said: "The assessment was carried out for a site at Burton Farm in 2013, which was being considered for housing, at that time.

"However this was not reflected in the adopted local development plan (LDP). A very similar site at Burton Farm was submitted for housing through the Main Issues Report (MIR) of the replacement LDP (LDP2), but has not been identified as having potential for further investigation.

"Members of the public can still have their say on the MIR, by going to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, January 31.”