A NEW private housing development plan for Colyton has been approved by South Ayrshire despite strong local opposition.

The major development plan by Lynch Homes that will see 54 new homes built on the land south of Colyton Primary School near Highpark Road was approved in a planning meeting at South Ayrshire Council.

Representation from the residents association believed the application was in violation of the land ownership certificate and that there was a health and safety risk with the path to Colyton Primary School being shut off for the duration of the proposed construction as children would then have to walk on the path next to the busy A70 road through an alternative route.

Residents also were concerned about the traffic impact.

Councillor Ian Cavana was also concerned about the safety of children. He said: “Can someone be sure that the alternative route would be safe fore children?”

A representative from Lynch Homes replied: “The suggestion of an alternative route was checked by Ayrshire Road Alliance and they were satisfied.”

However, a representative from Ayrshire Road Alliance confirmed that the route would be safe but would take longer for children to get to the school. 
Councillor Bill Grant said that the route provided by the applicants was not safe for children due to the volume of traffic on the A70.

Councillor Andy Campbell remarked that this development should have 25 per cent of affordable housing. He said:

“I can’t believe there is not a demand for affordable housing. No way I can support this without 25 per cent of affordable housing.”

An amendment was tabled that councillors could refuse an application without affordable housing. One councillor abstained with three in favour of the motion and two against.