PLANS for a major development of 90 new homes in Tarbolton have been recommended for approval by council officials.

Applicant Hayhill Developments Ltd is seeking detailed planning permission for a mixture of two-storey homes and bungalows on a 5.2 hectare site north of Westport, on the western edge of the village.

A report to the regulatory panel for planning at South Ayrshire Council (SAC) reveals the detailed application includes bungalows along the southern edge of the site after concerns over the proximity of the new homes were raised by people living on Westport itself.

The report also reveals that while a public meeting on the plans, held at Tarbolton Community Campus last November, resulted in “generally negative sentiment” towards any planned development, this – according to the applicant – was “based on negative experience of a previous, separate development, and appears resolvable with considerate housing management practice”.

The planners’ report – which recommends the application should be approved with conditions – says that six objections were lodged with the council, raising concern over noise impact, overshadowing, overlooking, security concerns, the impact on wildlife, the loss of green space, and traffic and flooding issues.

The site is zoned for housing in SAC’s local development plan, but one objection points out that since the site was allocated for a residential development, Tarbolton’s GP surgery and post office have closed, and voices concern that the village may not be able to cope with 90 new homes.

Under the applicant’s plans, if permission is granted for the development, 23 of the new properties on the site will be designated as ‘affordable’.

The planners’ report adds: “The points raised in the letters of objection have been fully considered and do not raise any issues that would merit a recommendation of refusal of the application.

“It is considered that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on the amenity of adjacent properties or the character and amenity of the locality.”

The panel will make a decision on Thursday, September 15.