MORE than 200 new houses are set to be built in a West Kilbride field after a narrow vote of approval by councillors.

At a meeting of North Ayrshire Council's planning committee today (Wednesday, January 25), the green light was given for Persimmon's proposals, over a year on from the application being submitted.

The housebuilding firm will construct 220 homes, ranging from two-bedroom terraces to five-bedroom properties, on land between Summerlea Road and Portencross Road.

The site, next to the A78, will also include new play parks and areas of open public space, as well as 16 purpose-built homes for elderly people.

The company said it will provide funding for upgrades to the village primary school, new pedestrian crossings on the A78 and new links between the site and the local path network, with £33 million of investment in the local community and 140 jobs created.

READ MORE: Developers promise 'investment and jobs' if 220-home village site gets thumbs up

However, West Kilbride residents have raised concerns over the impact of the development on local health and education services and more than 150 public objections were submitted.

West Kilbride Community Council also objected to the plans and campaigners held a rally and letter signing at the site earlier this month.

During today's lengthy discussion, planning committee members were split down the middle with four voting for the plans and four voting against them.

This left the deciding vote to chair, Robert Foster, who opted to approve the application.

We'll have more on this story in next week's Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, out on Wednesday (February 1).