Ayr homes: Construction of new neighbourhood moves one step closer

An application for planning permission in principle (PPP) had been submitted by Glasgow-based property consultancy firm Iceni Projects Ltd on behalf of their client James Craig Ltd for the huge project to the south-east of Holmston Roundabout.

The Advertiser reported last year how Iceni had submitted a Proposal of Application Notice to South Ayrshire Council.

The PPP application if granted, would mean that the 34-acre development would likely go ahead, with just the finer details to be confirmed in a later planning application.

If approved, the project would see an entire neighbourhood built, with food and drink outlets, retail units, office spaces, and a variety of different sized and priced houses.

It is proposed that 25 per cent of the 350 residential properties built will be affordable housing provision.

The proposed site

The site is bounded by the A77 to the west, by the A70 to the north and by agricultural land and associated uses to the east and south.

Iceni, in their planning statement, say that the development will bring socio-economic benefits to the area, with the construction of the development potentially costing £48 million and they predict that 100 jobs will be created during construction.

A new active travel route, connecting the development with Ayr via an A77 underpass, and improvements to the Holmston Roundabout to accommodate the extra traffic the new residents could create will improve connectivity, say Iceni.

The planning statement says: “The proposed development would provide a significant contribution to the community by providing new homes including much needed affordable homes, new active travel infrastructure including a safe crossing of the A77, road infrastructure improvements and socio-economic benefits.”