South Ayrshire Council revealed a proposal last week for the development of eight affordable homes at the site as part of its strategic housing plan.

Motherwell-based Modern Housing Group is the latest buyer of the Holmston House site, the Ayrshire Post reports.

Planning permission was previously granted to develop homes alongside a care home on the 3.3-acre site.

In recent days, the grounds of the historic house have been full of workmen tackling the overgrown site and B-listed structure.

Holmston House sits on one of the main routes into Ayr on Holmson Road and stands opposite the derelict Station Hotel.

A spokesman from Modern Housing Group said that there are plans to hold discussions about the development over the course of the next few weeks.

The sandstone pile which dates back to 1860, was sold by the council for £1,575 million three years ago.

It has changed hands several times since then and has been marketed by Colliers real estate.

Ayrshire Housing said it has been involved in conversations concerning the creation of affordable homes on the plot.

Jim Whiston, Ayrshire Housing director, said: “informal discussions with both the previous and current owners have taken place.”