POLITICAL couple Kenneth Gibson MSP and Patricia Gibson MP have taken differing positions on benefits of a major housing development would have on West Kilbride.

Patricia GIbson had said there were concerns that the plan for houses adjacent to the Meadowhead Estate would have negative impact on the school roll.

However, MSP Kenneth Gibson had earlier this year endorsed the housing boost for the town, suggesting it would have a positive effect on the school.

Last week, MP Patricia Gibson backed local concerns over a lack of consultation regarding the local development plan, which determines new housing projects in the area.

A public meeting took place earlier this month in West Kilbride attended by 80 residents who voiced concerns about a strain on the village’s infrastructure given the scale of new housing developments proposed.

Mrs Gibson has written to North Ayrshire Chief Executive Elma Murray on the eve of a planning decision on a housing application at the former Farmfield Farm, east of Tarbert Avenue, which was subsequently refused by NAC last Monday. There is another application for a development at a site to the north west of Chapelton Mains which was also discussed at the meeting.

Mrs Gibson said: “The housing developments suggest that that town of West Kilbride is earmarked for a relatively high number of new housing. This is causing alarm as there is a fear that the entire nature of the town will be irrevocably altered by this over development.”

“As regards West Kilbride Primary, there is anxiety that the Safe Routes to School route has not been assessed for the children who attend this school , despite the fact that this is one of the largest schools in North Ayrshire.”

However, Kenneth Gibson had sent a letter to architects McMillan and Cronin on 15 January, endorsing the plan for the former Farmfield Farm.

He said: “I would like to express my strong support for your proposal for a residential development. Not only do I believe construction of this development will provide employment to North Ayrshire I also feel that the presence of a new residential area in West Kilbride will have a positive effect on local business, the school roll and provide a wider choice of housing in an area of high demand, with affordable housing included.”

Kenneth said this week: “Yes, I support the development - which would include 70 affordable homes - in principle, based on local housing need, identified in NAC’s Local Development Plan, which I understand councillors unanimously supported.

“However, any specific proposal has to be looked at in detail before either supporting or opposing it and the original submission has already been turned down by NAC. ”