Proposals to build a new housing development in Monkton have been refused. 

An application had been lodged with South Ayrshire Council for eight homes on brownfield land on the site of the former Adamton Mill, just south of the A77. 

The properties would have been 1.5 storeys in height and of "sustainable rural design" with the inclusion of renewable technology. 

The site is currently unused woodland, and sits in the shadow of Prestwick Airport. 

The applicant stated that the development would bring high-quality housing to the area. 

They said: "Whilst much of the immediate surroundings are dominated by agriculture and A77, the site is also on the periphery of a substantial economic zone dominated by aviation related commerce, operations, and business around Prestwick Airport. 

"This is a key strategic growth area for South Ayrshire Council and the creation of high quality housing close to new employment opportunities can complement each other."

The site would have been served by a new direct access from Baird Road. 

However, council planning officers have refused the application, saying the development would "suburbanisation of the countryside". 

They added that the homes would "erode the landscape buffer, natural appearance, and landscape setting of the site to the detriment of the visual and residential amenity".