A new Kilwinning estate offering social housing and private properties has been approved.

Nearly 80 new homes have been given the go-ahead at the West Byrehill Industrial Estate in the town.

Dawn Homes have submitted a planning application to erect 76 terraced and semi-detached properties.

It would be a mixture of 40 private properties for sale and 36 for rent from Cunninghame Housing Association.

Councillor Tom Marshall said: “ It is one of the first developments approved by the council to combine private housing and social housing.”

The planning committee chair said he had visited a similar development in Liverpool.

The Conservative politician said you couldn’t notice the difference between the affordable and “market” homes.

He said: “I would encourage the likes of these developments.”

Most of the homes for sale would offer two and three bedrooms. The affordable builds are to have two bedrooms.

There would be six bungalows for elderly residents or people who use wheelchairs.

And children will have a play area according to plans.

The development site spans 5.8 acres.

A design and access statement from Dawn Homes, McTaggart Construction and Ashtenne said the development will “provide vibrant and sustainable homes in a pleasant and safe environment for the future residents.”

It added: “The proposals respond to the needs and aspirations of the future residents and provide a design solution of high quality and adaptability within the context of its unique setting.”

The application was approved by the North Ayrshire Council Planning Committee this week.