Homes plan is stalled

Jun 26 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A HOUSING development bid has been stalled further.

Hope Homes have been trying to gain approval for the houses to be built at Fisherton since January last year.

But refusals from the council, last minute objections by eco-watchdogs, and amendments forced upon the plans have all resulted in the development being delayed.

This week, the plan for 28 houses to be built on agricultural land on Ayr Road was expected to be given the green light.

But councillors have now decided they want to visit the proposed development site before making any more decisions.

Ian Hope, director of the Drongan based developers, was present at the meeting.

But he will have to wait even longer to find out the decision on his plans.

He has already made significant changes to the proposals.

The site has been reduced in size, the layout and housing types have been altered, the number of parking spaces has been reduced to provide more public space, and an additional footpath has been added in to provide better connectivity.

And Hope Homes have agreed to supply seven of the houses directly to Ayrshire Housing as affordable housing units.

Three objectors at the meeting offered concerns on the privacy of people living in houses immediately beside the development.

They also had concerns about drainage and the conservation of the area.

But Ian Simpson, chief planning officer, reported to councillors: “I consider the revised proposals do not now have an adverse impact on the residential amenity of nearby properties, and the proposed development is not out of character with the residential nature of the locality.”

Members of the council’s regulatory panel voted for a site visit.

It is expected to take place in the next few weeks before the plans come back before councillors later this year.