Barratt Homes West Scotland and Rochpion Properties (4) LLP lodged an application to South Ayrshire Council in November last year for a residential development and a site for a park and ride. The proposed development site at Monkton is identified in the Ayrshire Growth Deal Prestwick Masterplan as a residential expansion area.

However, councillors refused the application for planning in principle, with concerns raised including flooding, building on greenbelt and increased traffic.

Ahead of the decision, Barratt cited support for its proposed residential development from a local MSP, the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and three local housing associations.

The company said the development would have delivered £75 million of new capital and inward investment to deliver the residential site which will also contribute to the effective housing land supply in South Ayrshire from 2022 onwards.

David Scott, managing director, Barratt Homes West Scotland, told Scottish Housing News: ” Whilst we didn’t get the result we were hoping for with regard to Monkton, we are very much committed to investing in South Ayrshire which we see as a key focus for our business in the West of Scotland going forward.

“Recognising the economic and social benefits that housebuilding can bring to a local area, the application was supported by Ayrshire Housing, West of Scotland Housing Association and Irvine Housing Association and received support from local stakeholders who also recognised that the proposed development would deliver a significant level of inward investment which would have supported the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

“The site at Monkton is technically competent and we still believe in the merits of bringing the site at Monkton forward for development and are currently looking at our next steps.”