New luxury houses in Ayr could be higher than permitted after developers raised the ground for foundations, residents claim.

People living next to the Seafield House development fear some of the two-storey homes could be 1.5 metres taller than planning permission allows.

Builders are currently on site constructing 27 four and five bedroom houses surrounding the historic building, which range in price from £475,000 to about £600,000.

Grandmother Liz Donnachie, of Arrol Drive, said: “The developers are moving ahead without planning permission to raise the levels of the site by 1.5 metres.   

“Around the site there are small bungalows with elderly people. The planning department are not communicating regarding our concerns.”

The 68-year-old pointed out how the council has not used any powers to control the issue such as temporarily halting work. 

Neighbours contacted South Ayrshire Council about the potential change in size in December.

Stephen Kennedy, 51, of Arrol Drive, said the council told him raising the ground was not approved during the earlier planning process.

Mr Kennedy said: “The developer needs to submit a new planning application.

“We are led to believe the council is having discussions with the developer but we don’t know how they are proceeding. The longer this goes on the more homes are going to be developed.”

Conservative councillor Derek McCabe said: “The residents have relevant questions and they need answers. The only thing moving at pace is the building of these houses.”

He said an extra 1.5 metres would exacerbate the issue of the two storey detached homes overlooking nearby bungalows. 

It is unclear why the ground has been raised at the Doonfoot Road site but one possible theory is it may be linked to flood prevention. 

George Donnachie, 61, said hundreds of trees were cut down during the building work and there was no affordable housing or community building on the plot.

He said: “Seafield House is going to be luxury flats. What is in it for the community? Is this what Ayr needs? More £600,000 houses.”

A senior spokesman from house builder Westpoint Homes said: “I would confirm that we do have a full planning consent for the works that we are carrying out on site.”

A council spokesman said: “We are currently in discussions with the developer and it would be inappropriate to say anything further at this time.”

The original application for planning permission to refurbish Seafield House and build homes on the grounds was led by Ayr-based firm Econstruct. 

Westpoint Homes is building the houses in the grounds.

The landmark, which was once home to famous Scottish engineer William Arrol, was at risk of permanent ruin. 

It was once a children’s hospital.