Last June, South Ayrshire Council stated it was ‘minded to grant’ the application to approve, in principle, a residential development and neighbourhood commercial development with 350 homes, retail, office and hospitality buildings near the Holmston Roundabout.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Regulatory Panel (Planning) chairperson Alan Lamont cast the deciding vote to go ahead with a site visit after a motion from Councillor Ian Cavana was deadlocked at three votes for and three against.

The proposals in question relate to a patch of land to the south-east of Holmston roundabout, Ayr, over an area of approximately 34 hectares.

The pre-application includes plans for almost 350 new homes and includes class 1 commercial developments such as retail; class 2 professional services and class 3 food and drink outlets and office space with associated access.

As many as 88 homes could be built for affordable housing, 110 jobs could be created during the construction phase and a new pedestrian/cyclist underpass under the A77 is being mooted to facilitate a “safe crossing.”

Behind the plans are property consultancy firm Iceni Projects, which submitted proposals on behalf of its client James Craig Ltd.