The proposal by Lynch Homes features 42 two storey detached houses, with a small number of bungalows north of Barassie Farm, was approved by the council’s Regulatory Panel on Thursday, February 2.

The changes came amid neighbours’ concerns over privacy and ‘loss of identity’.

Planning permission for housing on the site had previously been approved, but Lynch Homes sought permission to make alterations to the plan, including changes to house types and individual property boundaries.

Five objections were raised including complaints that the two storey houses proposed on the plots nearest to the existing houses would ‘overwhelm’ existing one-story houses, and would overlook other houses, The Ayrshire Post reports.

The report from planners said: “It is not considered that the concerns raised by the objectors are sufficient to merit refusal of the application.”

Troon councillor Craig Mackay highlighted concerns about the impact on the residents of Collenan and their wish to retain the settlement’s identity and has called for the developers as a goodwill gesture to introduce signage on the main road to advise of Collenan.

Head of planning, Craig Iles, responded that the signage would not be for planning to pursue. However, he suggested having discussions directly with the developer. Head of Roads Kevin Braidwood agreed to raise the issue with the developer.

The application was agreed unanimously last week.