The councillors were welcomed to Persimmon Homes’ Byrehill Grange development in Kilwinning by Chris Logan, managing director of Persimmon West Scotland. The top team from North Ayrshire Council jointly broke ground for the new neighbourhood. They were then given a tour of the former industrial estate and heard more about the five-star homebuilder’s plans to transform the site into much-needed new homes.

The Byrehill Grange development, just off Byrehill Place, will offer a variety of 426 two- to four-bedroom energy-efficient new homes. The development will transform vacant, derelict land within the town into a vibrant new housing development – helping to breathe new life into the area.

The development will feature work to increase biodiversity in the area, including wildflower meadows. The nearby Penny Burn will also be rerouted through Byrehill Grange, which will contain significant areas of open space and incorporate a range of play areas for local families.

Chris Logan, Persimmon West Scotland managing director, said: “We’re delighted that work on our Byrehill Grange development is now underway. Not only will it deliver 426 energy-efficient new homes, it will also create jobs and generate investment in the local economy.

“With the price of our homes 20% below the average in Scotland and around half of our customers first-time buyers, we’re proud to be helping more local families take their first steps onto the housing ladder. We want to continue working with the council to make Kilwinning and North Ayrshire an attractive place to live and work.”

Cllr Marie Burns, leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “Thank you to the Persimmon team for the invitation and for the opportunity to hear all about their ambitious plans for this latest housing development here in North Ayrshire.

“These new modern houses will provide warm and energy-efficient homes for residents, in line with North Ayrshire Council’s sustainability ambitions, as well as providing opportunities for young people to train as apprentices. I look forward to visiting the development again as it progresses.”