East Ayrshire Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for 63 council houses at the former George McTurk Court site in Cumnock, despite objections from residents who raised concerns about privacy, traffic and the loss of a popular playpark.
The council, which is the applicant, intends to build 39 flats, 22 two-storey semi-detached houses and two bungalows on the 1.67-hectare site between Cairn Road and Glaisnock Street. The development is primarily aimed at older people and residents with mobility needs, although it will include a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes.
Resident objections and concerns
Nine objections were lodged, raising concerns about the properties overlooking existing homes, increased traffic, flooding, the height of the proposed buildings and the removal of an existing children's playpark. Two objectors addressed councillors during the hearing.
Jacqueline Farrell, speaking on behalf of a Cairn Court resident, argued that the proposed development was too dense and failed to take sufficient account of neighbouring homes. She highlighted the difference between the current application and an earlier scheme for 36 houses, which received planning permission in 2021 but was never built.
Ms Farrell said: "The site is overdeveloped and highly dense. It does not protect the character of the surrounding area." She added: "The development in its current form is a missed opportunity for an exemplary housing development."
Another objector, Audrey Stillie, raised concerns about the impact of two-storey houses on existing properties at Cairn Court. She told councillors: "I have no objection to the site being developed, but I do object to the development of the houses immediately on the boundary of Cairn Court."
Playpark replacement and flood concerns
The application also proved controversial because it will result in the removal of an existing playpark containing swings, a slide, climbing equipment and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout. Residents argued that the facility was well used and that the proposed replacement arrangements would leave local children worse off.
Under the approved plans, a communal garden with informal play equipment will be provided within the housing development. The council has also committed to improving the existing playpark at Hearth Road, approximately nine to ten minutes' walk from the current facility.
Planning officers acknowledged that the new on-site equipment would not fully replace the existing formal playpark. However, they concluded that the combination of the communal garden and improvements at Hearth Road would provide sufficient replacement facilities. A planning condition requires the Hearth Road improvements to be completed within three months of the closure of the existing playpark, unless otherwise agreed.
Councillor Neill Watts questioned whether the proposed improvements would address existing flooding problems at Hearth Road. He said that the play area flooded because it was situated below the level of surrounding ground. The applicant's agent acknowledged the concern and said the intention was to create a better play facility, adding that if flooding problems existed, they should be addressed as part of the improvement works.
Density and boundary issues
Councillors also questioned the impact of the new houses on neighbouring gardens and properties, particularly along the Cairn Court boundary. Planning officers maintained that the development would not cause an unacceptable loss of privacy or daylight. They pointed out that the site had previously contained 72 flats across six four-storey blocks, meaning the proposed 63 homes represented a reduction in the total number of dwellings compared with its former use.
Officers also accepted that the proposed development was relatively dense but considered its location, approximately 300 metres from Cumnock town centre, suitable for affordable housing. The committee discussed changes to landscaping along the boundary with Cairn Court following concerns raised by residents.
Councillor Jayne Sangster proposed approval with amendments to the conditions, allowing officers to agree revised landscaping arrangements. Councillor William Lennox asked whether those revised details could be brought back to the Planning Committee for approval. However, planning officials said the matter could be dealt with through the normal process for approving details required by planning conditions, taking account of the concerns expressed at the hearing.
Councillor Watts welcomed the development, describing the former housing site as an eyesore. He said: "This site has been an eyesore for an extremely long time. So I do welcome the proposals and the plans here." He added: "Cumnock desperately needs more houses and these 63 will really help."
He seconded Councillor Sangster's proposal, and the committee agreed to approve the application subject to the amended conditions. The development will include 88 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging facilities, landscaping and a communal garden. Most existing mature trees will be retained, with additional planting proposed throughout the site.
