KILBIRNIE residents have this week hit out at North Ayrshire Council after it emerged that building plans for new amenity housing will pave the way for their beloved cherry trees to be razed to the ground.

The planned refurbishment of the Montgomery Court Sheltered Housing Complex on the town’s Stoneyholm Road has caused great angst amongst those who stay nearby and concerns have been raised over road safety as the proposed houses are so close to the kerbside.

Locals describe this part of the town as one of its most visually pleasing and although the council say the trees will be replaced, this didn’t stop the neigbours of the site setting up a petition which has recently been sent to North Ayrshire Council.

The petition says: “Kilbirnie is shortly to lose its swimming pool, Glengarnock Primary School and Garnock Academy.

"Now there are plans to cut down the cherry trees outside the sheltered housing in Stoneyholm Road and build new adapted bungalows close to the pavement.

“We petition North Ayrshire Council to reconsider their decision to cut down the cherry trees.

"We request that the current plans be redrawn to allow the trees to remain and the new houses to be built in line with other houses in Stoneyholm Road.” Mr William Peacock, one of those against the new plans said: “The proposed development is totally out of keeping with the appearance of Stoneyholm Road as a whole.

"It will therefore became a complete eyesore.

"The objection is not just about the removal of the cherry trees which the Council say will be replaced, the residents of Stoneyholm Road have historically always spend a lot of time and money maintaining the appearance of their gardens to improve the amenity of the whole area for the benefit of everyone, including visitors to the town.

"This development is going to destroy all of that for no good reason.” The works are due to start next month and hasn’t had to go through the planning process as the council have said that this is classified as ‘permitted development’.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “Over the last 18 months the Council has actively consulted with the community including the residents and family of the existing Montgomery Court complex, neighbours, local councillors and the local Community Council, and feedback from this consultation exercise has been used to inform the finalised design proposal.

“Our plans to redevelop Montgomery Court sheltered housing unit will provide essential new housing, designed specifically for the elderly and those with varying needs.

“We are currently in the process of procuring a contractor to undertake the redevelopment works.

“The proposed development is classified as permitted development, and as a result, there is no requirement to submit a formal application for planning approval.” North Ayrshire Council also confirmed that they had received the petition and said: “A petition to keep the cherry trees on this site has been received on behalf of local residents and this will be considered by the council’s Scrutiny and Petitions Committee on October 8.”