The decision will deliver a £33 million investment in the local community and include a variety of high-quality new homes, ranging from two-bedroom terraces to five-bedroom detached homes. The homes have been specifically designed to meet the needs of the local housing market and include 16 homes purposely constructed for older people.

The project is also expected to create around 80 jobs in the construction sector, with a further 60 in services and other local firms.

The development will include new play parks and areas of open public space. Other significant local benefits include funding for upgrades to the local primary school, new pedestrian crossings on the A78 to improve road safety and new links between the site and the local path network to encourage active travel.

Chris Logan, Persimmon West Scotland managing director, said: “We’re delighted to have received approval for our development at Portencross and I want to thank North Ayrshire Council for their support. Not only will the development deliver 220 energy-efficient new homes, it will also create jobs and generate a significant investment in the local economy.

“We’re committed to creating vibrant, successful communities and with nearly half our customers first-time buyers, we’re proud to be supporting more local families onto the housing ladder.

“We’ll continue to work in partnership with the council and other stakeholders to ensure our investment delivers real benefits for the whole community.”