Plans for a new supported living development on Waggon Road in Ayr have been approved. The proposal, submitted for a vacant site at 6 Waggon Road, will deliver nine flats designed for individuals with additional support needs.
The application was approved under delegated powers at South Ayrshire Council. Architects Denham Youd designed the scheme, and the applicant is Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd.
Partnership with housing and care providers
In a supporting statement, Denham Youd said: “The proposed development has been specifically designed as a supported housing scheme developed in partnership with Ayrshire Housing and Hansel Alliance, providing accommodation for individuals with additional support needs rather than conventional private residential accommodation.”
Parking provision was determined based on the “anticipated characteristics and travel patterns” of the intended residents, rather than applying a standard parking ratio. Five spaces, including one accessible bay, are “considered sufficient” to meet anticipated demand.
Parking and accessibility considerations
The supporting statement continues: “Many prospective residents are unlikely to drive due to the nature of their support requirements and will instead rely on a combination of assisted transport, public transport, active travel and support services. As such, a parking provision of one space per dwelling would not reflect the operational needs of the development and would lead to inefficient use of a constrained urban site.”
Following completion, long-term ownership and asset management will remain with Ayrshire Housing as a Registered Social Landlord, with day-to-day care managed by Hansel Alliance.
Social housing commitment
The statement adds: “Because the building will be held within the social rented sector in perpetuity, there is no possibility of the flats being sold on the open market for private sale.”
“While the development is optimised for supported living, retaining ownership with Ayrshire Housing guarantees that the asset remains dedicated to affordable social housing under RSL management, excluding any future transition to general private residential use.”
The site layout includes dedicated cycle parking, mobility aid storage, barrier-free pedestrian routes and EV charging provision. Hansel Alliance advised that mobility aid storage is of “greater practical benefit” to future residents than extensive cycle provision, reflecting the “specific user group” for whom the development is intended.
Design and objections
The statement continues: “The development has been tailored to facilitate independent living for residents requiring varying levels of support, with one wheelchair-accessible flat and other ground floor units designed for ambulant disabled residents.”
Two objections were received, raising concerns about the “suitability” of the site, potential “overshadowing and loss of daylight,” and increased noise and traffic. Despite these, the proposal was approved with conditions.
Council papers add: “The overall placement of the building and upgraded landscaping at the site, which was once used for the storage of industrial/commercial materials, is a significant upgrade to the local area where similar sized developments have been built and will support the visual amenity of the area, while providing necessary flatted dwellings to an established area close-by to local amenities.”
