DEVELOPERS say a £3 million project on an Ardrossan school site will provide opportunities for the area.

As the Herald reported recently, Cunninghame Housing Association (CHA) plans to build 28 two and three bedroom houses and flats at the site on the site of the former Stanley Road Primary School. 

Since then, a public consultation has been held at Whitlees Community Centre on August 4, where local feedback was positive. 

North Ayrshire Council has now approved the proposals and work is expected to start on the development in March next year. 

Frank Sweeney, Chief Executive of CHA, told the Herald: “The consultation with local residents was very, very positive. 

“I think it will benefit the area. We’re replicating the community benefits of the Ardrossan Harbour development by liaising with the local school and creating two new apprenticeships, so it will mean that more money will be brought into the local community.

“The contractor is Ashleigh Scotland, the same company who worked on the harbour.”

Councillor John Hunter, Elected Member for Ardrossan and Arran, told the Herald that he was “delighted” to see the plans get the go-ahead.

He added: “It’s good to see the site being used for this. I went along to the presentation and it looked like a good development. There’s a good mix of housing, the site is ideal and it’s close to public transport. 

“Any development that brings links, apprenticeships and jobs to the community is a good thing. 

“I’ve found that CHA provide very good quality homes. I’m always impressed with their properties. They’re keen to build links with the local community and are very interested in Ardrossan.”

Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, also welcomed the plans. 

He said: “I am delighted that this development will begin on site next year.

“It will not only provide employment and 28 high quality affordable homes for the people of Ardrossan; the two and three bedroom houses and cottage flats will include amenity homes, some fitted out for wheelchair use.

“The SNP Government is investing £2 million in this development which shows how confident we are of its quality, design, the need for such housing and CHA’s record as an innovative and ambitious housing provider which is already building 70 new homes on the old Shell site.

“The recent consultation carried out on August 4 was a success and I have no doubt that these homes will be well sought after in the local community.”

Tony Gurney, Councillor for Ardrossan and Arran and member of CHA's Board,  added: "I am delighted to see CHA receive approval for this new development. I have seen first hand their beautiful and award winning development throughout Ayrshire and I have no doubt that this new Ardrossan development will match that standard. In addition, it will provide much needed new homes for local families who can look forward to living in a beautiful, high-quality new home."