A new housing estate consisting of 286 homes in Monkton got the go-ahead last week despite fears the village couldn’t cope with the development.

Large employer Spirit and the community council lodged objections that  included concerns about flooding, traffic and school capacity.

Applicants Persimmon Homes and Dawn Homes will build 17 different types of properties offering two, three, four and five bedrooms with photovoltaic panels on Kilmarnock Road.  There would be 50 affordable homes and a play area.

Kevin Murphy, of Persimmon Homes, said: “Overall the development will deliver much needed private and affordable houses.

“It will be an attractive place to live in South Ayrshire.”

Speaking at the council’s regulatory planning panel,  resident Helen Dickie said: “In the last 20 years Monkton has grown by 130 houses and villagers are still experiencing problems from surface water and sewage.”

The village community council member pointed out there are only 27 school places available at the primary school.

Helen told councillors at the meeting there is the potential the village could double in size eventually as the way is being paved for a further 650 houses.

Monkton community council chairman Harry Middleditch said: “The applicant is so confident of this application being passed that they are advertising the development on their website with a location name Fairfields.

“Throughout this planning application the applicant has shown disregard of the residents of Monkton.

“It has shown a disrespect for the basic planning laws and has by its actions stuck two fingers up at South Ayrshire Council.”

Urging councillors to listen,  Mr Middleditch said: “If you don’t take note of what the people of South Ayrshire want you are not doing the job of representing the people.”

Kyle Labour councillor Andy Campbell voted to refuse the application citing concerns about the shortfall in affordable houses.

Twenty five per cent of the properties should be  affordable homes, according to guidelines.

This means there should be 72 affordable homes instead of the 50 proposed but the council is allowing the developer to pay a fee instead.

An official warned councillors refusing the building bid could have consequences if the applicants appeal.

Raising concerns about drainage, Councillor Ian Cavana said he has worked near the planned site for many years.

He asked: “How do you cope if water goes in and jeopardises businesses in the area?”

He was told flooding experts at SEPA said the development was acceptable.

The agency asked for an assessment before development to establish any effect on quality of Ayr’s bathing water.

The meeting heard water would be directed into the Rumbling Burn to address drainage issues.

Concerns were voiced whether the Dutch House   roundabout could handle more cars from those living in the new houses.

But reports said a transport study found it and other nearby junctions would still operate “satisfactorily.”

Councillors approved the application after the local authority’s officials recommended it should go-ahead with 39 conditions.

Mr Middleditch declared: “Another stitch up,” before leaving the meeting.