Draft plans are now available to view for 94 new homes on the sites of three former Additional Needs Schools.

The proposed developments include:

• 46 new homes at the former James Reid School site, in Primrose Place, Saltcoats
• 18 new homes at the former James McFarlane School site, Dalry Road, Ardrossan, and
• 30 new homes at the former Stanecastle School site in Irvine.

The developments form part of the council’s vision to deliver 1,625 new properties by 2027 – one of the most ambitious council house building programmes in the UK.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for green new deal and sustainability, said: “Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, our ambitious housebuilding programme is still well on track to deliver more than 1,600 new homes for our residents in every part of North Ayrshire.

“While the schools will hold many fond memories for people, it will be great see the sites given a new lease of life and the opportunity to create new memories for families in modern, affordable, energy-efficient homes.”

At Stanecastle, the £6 million development – supported by Scottish Government funding of £2.5m - will provide general needs houses, homes suitable for wheelchair users and amenity bungalows with a mix of 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms.

The proposed development at the former James Reid School, in Primrose Place, Saltcoats, will see the creation of 46 new homes. The £9.2m development – supported by Scottish Government funding of £3.8m - will provide general needs, wheelchair liveable and amenity bungalows with a mix of 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedrooms.

The former James McFarlane School site, Dalry Road, Ardrossan, will provide 18 new properties with a mix of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom general needs houses, wheelchair liveable homes and amenity bungalows. The £3.3m development will be supported by Scottish Government funding of £1.5m.

Construction at all three sites is currently scheduled to get under way in spring/summer 2022 and the homes should be ready for residents to move into in 2023.