The applicants behind a new housing development in Fairlie are hoping to bypass North Ayrshire development plan guidelines in order to build 20 new affordable houses.
RDK Construction and agents Stewart Associates have put forward the application on behalf of Cunninghame Housing Association for the area of greenbelt land, northwards of Fairlie Bowling Club.
There have been a number of objections to the development including from Fairlie Community Council, who say the proposal contradicts the local development guidelines for the stretch of land which are to protect and enhance all areas of nature conservation value; support development in the countryside which has a specific locational need; increase recreational use of the coast and countryside; and improve the perception, quality and range of recreational and tourism facilities in the area.
The community council stated in their objection letter: "Fairlie Primary School is also anticipating a considerable increase in demand from new residents on the Dawn Homes development, and current residents are concerned that there will be insufficient capacity for pre-school children already living in, or about to move to Fairlie. Residents question whether the current sewage works will be able to service the increase in homes. 
"We question whether the lack of village facilities such as local GP, post office, village shop or public house, makes the development of any additional homes appropriate in Fairlie." 
However, Stewart Associates have submitted a justification behind the project, although it is contrary to the guidelines, pointing to recent North Ayrshire Council approvals for other applications for the development including a garden centre which was also contrary to the Local Plan, and added: "The local development provides much needed affordable housing in Fairlie."
They have highlighted a report from the North Ayrshire housing register which looks specifically at demand for housing in Fairlie: 2 bedroom mainstream - 233; 3 bedroom mainstream - 43; 2 bedroom amenity - 70.
The Stewart Associates report stated: "The information we received is telling us that the following numbers of people are requesting Fairlie as their area of choice. This provides a good indication of the level of demand exists."
Fairlie Communitiy Council state that affordable housing should be included within the Dawn Housing development to meet such demand, and added the green space between Fairlie and Largs enables Fairlie to maintain it's unique character and environment.