South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel was evenly split on the proposal for 350 homes along with retail and hospitality components near the Holmston Roundabout. The decisive vote came from panel chair Councillor Alan Lamont.

Despite the approval, the application remains subject to potential call-in by the Scottish Government due to its scale and departure from the local development plan (LDP).

The proposal, which had been recommended for refusal by planning officers, has faced consistent opposition from council planners.

Despite this, the panel had already been ‘minded to grant’ the application. And when they met again last month, the panel once again delayed the decision until a site visit was undertaken.

Core objections included the site’s designation as greenfield land not zoned for residential use under the current LDP, potential impacts on established housing allocations and strain on the existing road network.

Concerns were also raised around infrastructure delivery, including a proposed pedestrian and cycle underpass at the adjacent A77, questions over developer-funded dualling of the A77 between Whitletts and Holmston roundabouts, as well as school capacity shortfalls in nearby non-denominational schools.

Despite these issues, Conservative Councillor Mary Kilpatrick led the motion to approve, arguing that Scotland’s declared housing emergency represents a material planning consideration.

“This proposal supports the delivery of much-needed housing in South Ayrshire,” she stated, noting the potential for early-phase development.

While acknowledging the scheme’s partial conflict with the development plan, she maintained that a balance had been struck with conditions and legal agreements in place to manage impacts.

One of the most pressing concerns for councillors opposing the project was the pressure it would place on the local education system. Catchment schools Forehill Primary and Kyle Academy are already operating at full capacity, with no realistic options for expansion.

To manage projected pupil numbers, mitigation plans involve a proposed £2.5 million four-classroom extension at Coylton Primary (3 miles east) and reallocation of secondary pupils to Ayr Academy, across the A77 and River Ayr.

These measures would require around £11,000 per new home to address education infrastructure needs. However, due to funding limitations around affordable housing units within the scheme, a funding gap of nearly £1m remains.