If planning permission is approved, eight purpose built accommodation units would be constructed at Low Troweir Road as well as a new play area.

A total of eight sites were investigated by the council as suitable alternatives to Houdston which was ruled out over concerns that it could flood again in the future. The site at Low Troweir Road was chosen as it provides good access to schools, public transport, health and other services and is already known to the Gypsy/Travellers as they have been using the site on a temporary basis since February 2016.

The new site aims to provide a modern living environment while respecting the cultural requirements of the residents. There are also plans to introduce natural screening to maintain privacy.

Councillor Philip Saxton, housing and customer services portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “I realise this has been a long haul for the displaced residents and I would like to thank them and the wider community for their patience.

“The proposed accommodation is a step away from what the residents of the Houdston site have been used to but we will engage with them to ensure the new living arrangements are in keeping with their chosen lifestyle.

“Hopefully planning permission will be granted which means the new accommodation would be finished in May 2018. In the meantime we will continue to work with the residents to ensure their needs are met and their integration with the local community continues.”