South Ayrshire councillors have agreed to carry out a site visit before deciding whether to approve a revised housing development at Manse Road in Coylton. Members of the council’s Regulatory Panel unanimously voted to continue consideration of an application for 10 homes after hearing concerns from residents, community representatives and civic groups about privacy, drainage and changes to ground levels.
Background of the Application
The application by Milestone Developments had originally included 13 affordable homes, but this requirement was dropped last December when it was revealed no social landlord was willing to take on the homes. The developer therefore submitted plans for 10 private homes instead, with a revised layout and house types on part of the development site.
Planning officers recommended approval, concluding the proposal complied with planning policy and would not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring properties, despite a number of proposed homes on land that would not have been built on under the original layout.
Residents' Concerns
A number of objectors appeared in person to state their case, where they repeatedly argued that councillors needed to inspect the site in person before reaching a decision. Speaking on behalf of Coylton Community Council, Fraser Drummond said: “Only by standing within the neighbouring properties and viewing the site from the perspective of those who live there can the panel properly understand the scale of the proposed development and the impact it will have on residents.”
He added: “We believe that only by viewing the site first hand can members properly assess whether the officers’ conclusions are accurate and reflect the reality that residents of Manse Road will experience should this development proceed.”
Residents living on Manse Road raised concerns about overlooking, loss of privacy, drainage and the impact of retaining walls and fencing proposed as part of the development. Brian Alner told the panel: “This is the equivalent of having two 6 foot fences on top of each other at the rear of the property, which I’m sure you would all feel was unacceptable in your own houses or any other residential setting.”
Kathryn Harvey, whose property borders the site, said: “The relationship between the proposed dwellings and existing properties cannot be fully appreciated from plans and cross-sections alone.”
Developer's Response
Representing the applicant, Milestone Developments’ commercial manager, John Keane, said the revised scheme was an improvement on the existing consent, reducing the number of homes from 13 to 10, replacing cottage flats with detached houses and introducing two bungalows to reduce visual impact. He said the changes resulted in “a better, more considerate scheme for the location”.
Council Decision
During the committee debate, several councillors indicated they wanted to see the site before making a decision. Councillor Ian Cavana told the meeting: “I think it’s imperative that I have a site visit.”
Moving the successful motion, Cllr Mary Kilpatrick said: “Having listened to everyone, I certainly won’t go over all of the complaints that have been made and all of the objections. I do have severe reservations about this. Especially about the height.” She then proposed that the application be continued for a site visit, a motion which was seconded by Councillor Alec Clark and approved unanimously by the panel.
The application will now return to a future meeting of the Regulatory Panel following the site inspection.
