North Ayrshire Council have granted permission for a new villa adjoining Routenburn Golf Club in Largs - despite fears it could 'change the skyline forever'.

Architect Brian Murray of West Kilbride, applied on behalf of Mr James Inglis to build the large detached villa and demolish the existing two bungalows at 11A Routenburn Road.

Members of Largs Community Council have previously complained of the circumstances of the 'golf' bungalows' original sale by NAC, sold to Inglis last year for £181,000 with profits going to the Largs Common Good.

However, architect Mr Murray applied to carry out the construction of the new 'L' shaped villa with five bedrooms, two levels of accommodation and solar roof tiling.

He proposed that vehicle entry would be by way of an existing lane leading from a bend in Routenburn Road to the site which would be upgraded to a private drive.

Council planners received eight letters of objection from Largs residents, including community councillor Margaret Brown of Walkerston Avenue, and Ray Connal, representing Routenburn Golf Club.

They stated their belief that the section of lane adjacent to 11 Routenburn Road was not actually owned by North Ayrshire Council and that its ownership was "unclear".

Another objection stated that the "architect was instructed not to disclose the name of his client" and asked: "Does his client have something to hide?" Full story in Largs News of August 19