Plans to build 25 social houses on a patch of land in Tarbolton have been given the green light - despite fears the village cannot cope with it.
The development, which is part of a wider development, relate to a parcel of land at the Croft Street and the Westport area of the village.
Behind the proposals are Hayhill Developments Ltd, of Mauchline, and the agents in the venture are Glasgow-based GD Lodge Architects LLP.
In their design statement GD Lodge said the overall site was granted “full planning permission” by South Ayrshire Council for 90 houses in September 2022.
However, the current application related solely to the area of the site “reserved for affordable housing.”
Once built, the homes will be transferred to a Registered Social landlord (RSL) and the preferred RSL is Ayrshire Housing Association.
However, there are fears the development will put extra pressure on local schooling, nursery provision and traffic, which one objector said is already under strain.
In a letter of objection Samantha Brown, of Tarbolton, said: “The village of Tarbolton has very few facilities and amenities to accommodate the current population.
“With no Community Centre or Games Hall there is a distinct lack of meeting places for adults and children. There is no Doctors Surgery or Post Office.
“It is also a concern as to whether Tarbolton Nursery and Primary School could accommodate any more children.
“The distinct lack of amenities and facilities require an excellent Public Transport service or Private Transport in order for people to access them elsewhere.
“The village of Tarbolton is currently not in a position to accommodate large residential developments as it does not have the facilities or amenities or public transport links.”
Ms Brown also warned that the increased traffic would render the area ‘unsafe’ for children.
She said: “Presently, the amount of traffic coming into our village has seen a surge with farm traffic and haulage companies.
“This, coupled with residential traffic, has made both Westport and Croft Street extremely busy and the speed limit is not being adhered to.
“Access to this proposed development would cause more congestion to both Westport and Croft Street.”
She added: “Road safety is a major concern. There is no traffic calming measures at Westport or Croft Street. It is not safe for children.”
Despite the objection South Ayrshire Council planners approved the proposals.
In a design statement the developers say that a “variety” of house types have been selected by Ayrshire Housing Association to “address the current need” for affordable housing in Tarbolton. These range from two-bedroom bungalows to four-bedroom semi- detached villas, including one house specifically designed for wheelchair use.
The statement adds: “The house types proposed have been specifically designed to complement the proposed new development opposite with materials to match. This will ensure no obvious distinctions between private housing and affordable units.”
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