A PROPOSED housing development on industrial land formerly owned by ICI in Stevenston is likely to meet with local opposition.

Following a decision by Clowes Developments (Scotland) Ltd – the company that now owns the land in Ardeer – to submit plans to North Ayrshire Council for the construction of 72 new houses, a meeting of local residents, concerned about the overall impact this would have on the area, took place last week.

The meeting, which was attended by local Councillor Jim Montgomerie, discussed a number of significant issues of concern including the impact that up to 200 additional residents coming into the area would have on the town’s medical, educational and other services and amenities.

Local residents in Lundholm Road and Caledonian Road also voiced concerns over the proposed vehicle access to and from the site during the possible three to five years of construction, the additional traffic volumes that would be generated, proposed changes to the existing landscape and the future road safety of the existing residents in the immediate area.

Concerns were also raised about the possibility that the ground on which the proposed new houses are to be built could be contaminated and that the proposals by Clowes Developments to remove hills and trees from the area opposite Lundholm Road would be detrimental to wildlife and the environment.

The meeting of local residents this week followed a small, one-day exhibition by representatives of Clowes Developments in the Ardeer Community Centre on July 22 where outline plans were shown to local residents of Lundholm Road.

However, it transpired that residents in adjoining streets surrounding the site had not been informed of the exhibition.

Cllr Montgomery said: “I was more than happy to chair this public meeting and I am grateful to everyone who attended on Tuesday evening.

"There was lots of debate, which is healthy and everyone had the opportunity to put their points across.

“My job in this is simple, it is to be the voice of the people of Saltcoats and Stevenston, therefore, I will take forward to the Council all the points raised at the public meeting and ensure I get answers.” One local resident commented: “It is clear from this week’s public meeting, that there are some serious areas of concern with this proposed housing development.

“It was agreed that our local councillor, Jim Montgomerie should invite senior planning officers from North Ayrshire Council to meet with local residents to discuss some important technical issues including the process that was used to allow the change of classification of this land from industrial to residential use.” A further meeting of local residents will take place in the Ardeer Community Centre shortly, prior to the developer’s planning application being submitted to North Ayrshire Council early next month.

Clowes Developments were unable to confirm when the next meeting would be when we went to press.