Corton represents the first phase of delivery of the overall South East Ayr Development Masterplan which will ultimately deliver 2,700 new homes over 30 years in three phases over 450 acres.

The consents include detailed permissions for the Sainsbury’s supermarket, with associated car park and petrol filling station. Consents have also been granted for the construction of a new equestrian/pedestrian/cycle bridge over the A77, linking into a footpath network promoting and encouraging walking and cycling for everyone in the area to use and enjoy the development.

The Corton phase of the masterplan comprises 750 houses, a new primary school, hotel, a neighbourhood centre, shops, pub/restaurant, business units and community and leisure facilities. It is envisaged that the Corton development will deliver total new investment in South Ayrshire of approximately £184 million.

Extensive landscaping will be delivered creating an attractive public realm entrance and welcome into Corton. Together with public parks and country walkways green routes will be created throughout the site, promoting safe and pleasant communities. As part of the delivery of this first phase, the council has required that a business unit be constructed by the developer to attract new commercial users and jobs to the area. The developer will also provide a subsidised frequent bus service as soon as the first phase works are completed and the store opens to the public.

The commencement of the 155-acre Corton phase and construction of the supermarket for Sainsburys, unlocks development to the remainder of the development masterplan by funding the construction of infrastructure required to open up and service the site. In addition to this the Corton development provides land and up-front funding for the new primary school which serves the entire development area.

The supermarket, designed by architects The Harris Partnership, delivers, in addition to superstore grocery, a restaurant, petrol filling station, over 600 parking spaces and recycling facilities. It is currently forecasted that around 400 new jobs will be created, with opportunities for entry positions, part time positions and management roles.

In addition to the infrastructure works to create a new roundabout on the A77 to access the site and the pedestrian/equestrian/cycle overbridge, works will be carried out to upgrade 4 roundabouts on the A77 and a significant contribution will be made to Transport Scotland for future upgrades to the nearby trunk road network.

Commenting on the granting of the consents Sandra Carter from LXB, real estate investment company behind the proposals, said: “We are delighted that detailed consents for this initial phase have been granted facilitating the delivery of the new supermarket and site infrastructure. It is anticipated that other elements of the development will soon be brought forward including a pub/restaurant, other neighbourhood business and amenity spaces together with the first phase of private and affordable housing.”