In February this year, LMA Architects submitted an application on behalf of Fitzsimmons Construction Ltd seeking permission for 95 homes on the Mauchline Road site at Dalshalloch Woods, close to the A76 at the Templeton roundabout.

The development will comprise of a mix of two, three and four bedroom terrace, semidetached and detached homes, with the main access from Pennyland Road and other non-vehicular access to the west, north and east of the site, including three from Merlin Loch Park.

A design statement submitted with the application read: “The expansion of housing to this site follows a natural expansion to the west side of the village which is limited by the A76. There are currently four housing sites identified in the East Ayrshire Local Development Plan with this being the largest. Two of the site are owned by the council and two are in private ownership. The site location is one of the few remaining undeveloped edges to the village as is the site of a former dog racetrack.”

Now, under the new plans, the coniferous trees which make up most of the land, will be felled.  However, at a meeting of East Ayrshire planning committee, officers have sought to keep as many of the deciduous trees as possible and pointed out that the development would see trees retained around much of the perimeter.

Conservative councillor, Neill Watts, called for a condition that would address the loss of the ‘green vista’ at Mauchline Road. However, EAC’s legal head David Mitchell said that the existing process would enable officers to work out a solution with developers, The Ayrshire Post reports.

Site architects said that the area at the corner of Pennyland Road and Mauchline Road would be open space, with as many trees retained as possible. The issue of water pressure, which has been reported by residents in the area, was raised during the discussion. But Mr Mitchell insisted it would be a matter for Scottish Water to approve the water and sewerage element with the developer.

A SUDS drainage basin at the north of the site would be incorporated into an area to be used as public open space. Another sunken area on the west of the site would also become public open space. The application indicates that a toddler play area would be installed as well.

The developers said that there continue to be discussions with Auchinleck Community Council regarding the Marie Curie Field of Hope, which sits in the proposed development site. It states that a private arrangement has been made to plant at a nearby plot of land owned by Auchinleck Community Development Initiative.

The planning committee agreed the plan on Friday morning.