Green light for Greenan Care Home
There were around 86 objections to the plans for the care home in Ayr.
Last updated 2nd Feb 2018
Controversial plans to build a huge care home on a scenic route into Ayr have been given the go ahead.
South Ayrshire Council approved the planning application yesterday. (Thursday 1st February 2018).
The home will sit on the new Greenan Views housing estate on Dunure Road, Doonfoot which is owned by Mctaggart and Mikel.
But more than 80 objections were submitted against it from the local community and politicians including MP Bill Grant.
They claim the building would be an eyesore, blocking vies of the sea and the town on what is supposed to be a tourist route.
A protest was held at the site when officials came to view the proposed location.
One of the lead campaigners is local resident Heath McLean who lives opposite where the care home will be built.
She says: "I'm very, very disappointed. A lot of residents have worked very hard to make a case but it wasn't to be.
"People are upset at the size of this building.
"It's the scenic route into Ayr and once it's gone it's gone."
Chair of the Alloway and Doonfoot Community Council, Marilyn Dalgleish, says: "It's on the way to Heads of Ayr, Craig Tara, Turnberry etc. It's already a very busy road and I can imagine people driving past wondering why on earth they decided to build the home there.
"I know we're not entitled to a view but the builders did say in their masterplan that they would safguard it and that's not what's happening.
"We're happy with the build going ahead but we're dismayed at the fact that it's not on the site originally planned.
"We cannot leave it as it is. This is not caring for the locals and the residents.
"South Ayrshire Council promotes the views and scenery here as part of their marketing and now they're just absolutely obliterating it."
A spokesperson for Mactaggart & Mickel Group said: “This 53-bed care home has been sympathetically designed and will be in keeping with the local area.
"In terms of visibility and views, It will be set further back from Dunure Road and therefore will be less prominent than housing would have been."