A total of 19 new homes are planned for the site of the former James McFarlane School on Dalry Road, as well as a total of 31 units (29 new homes) on the site of the former Stanecastle School on Burns Crescent.

The £5 million James McFarlane proposals – supported by an estimated £2m Scottish Government Grant - will see a mix of general needs houses, amenity bungalows and homes suitable for wheelchair users. Members of the public are invited to a consultation event being held on Tuesday, 16 January, 2024, in the Whitlees Community Centre, Ardrossan from 4pm-6pm.

The £8m proposals for Stanecastle – supported by an estimated £3m Scottish Government Grant - will also see a mix of general needs houses, amenity bungalows and homes suitable for wheelchair users. Members of the public are invited to a consultation event being held on Thursday, 18 January, 2024, in the Lanfine Community Centre, Lanfine Terrace, Girdle Toll, from 4pm-6pm.

The events will allow interested people to obtain information about the project, view the final site plans and house designs, and discuss the building works with the contractor, Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited.

To book your place at either event, email developmentandstrategy@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or telephone 01294 324031.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “North Ayrshire Council is delivering one of the most ambitious house-building programmes in the country.

“We have committed to building more than 1,600 new homes across North Ayrshire and are already more than halfway towards achieving that target.

“These new modern, energy-efficient homes will help push us further towards achieving our ambitions.

“The new affordable homes champion the strategic priorities set out within the Council Plan by improving wellbeing and addressing climate change through the delivery of energy efficient homes which are accessible and have been designed to easily adapt to tenants’ changing needs.

“Consultation with local residents and housing applicants ensures that our new homes contribute to community cohesion and our contractors’ participation in the Council’s Community Benefits Scheme means that training and employment opportunities will also be available for North Ayrshire residents.”

Work is currently scheduled to get underway in early 2024 with completion expected in summer 2025.

The plans for the new homes at the former James McFarlane site and Stanecastle are also available to view and comment on online.