Prevention measures are needed to stop problem residents coming to Largs social housing in future, a councillor has stated.

Conservative Tom Marshall welcomes new social housing in Largs but is concerned about potential difficulties which may arise in future over the allocation.

Cunninghame Housing Association have put in a planning application to build 12 single bedroom flats to replace a historic cottage site midway up Waterside Street in Largs.

And with far more new social housing set to possibly be coming to Largs to replace areas such as the current Largs Academy, and other schools, which are moving to the new campus, the councillor is keen to set some ground rules now with the housing association.

The ‘News’ understands that there has been a range of difficulties with social housing in one specific area of the town during recent years, which has strengthened the view that more needs to be done to address any potential for problems in future.

Speaking to the ‘News’, Cllr. Marshall said: “My concern is who is going to be allocated these houses. I have since researched the matter, and it is my understanding that the flats will be going to people over the age of 55. However, 25% of that allocation has to be from the homeless list. I am concerned about some of the people that may be coming into these houses. There was an application a couple of years ago in the Largs area, and since it was granted there have been a lot of problems up there. I hope that they are going to be more sensible when they are allocating these houses.” Labour councillor Alex Gallagher commented that the Housing Association were better positioned to deal with problem residents than most, and pointed out that if there are problems which develop, they are in a position to move them on within two or three weeks, compared to the local authority, where it can take three or four months.

“They say it is going to be for over 55s, but I cannot get an absolute guarantee, but that would probably mitigate any problems.” “This is a very important matter in the future as with the possibility of social housing going on redundant school sites in Largs, the allocation must be done with some sensitivity.” The design brief for the developmet at Waterside Street stated that it is: “To provide high quality housing for rent designed specifically for older persons comprising 12 one-bedroom apartments with lift access and associated parking.” The site is currently occupied by Halkshill Lodge, an early 19th century single storey lodge house built to serve the nearby Halkshill House. The original lodge has been extended to the east and south, but it set to be demolished to make way for the social housing development.

One objector complained: “It is one of the older houses in Largs and although not listed has played a large part in the history of Largs being the original lodge house for Halkshill.

“It has been one dwelling house with off-street parking, and the proposed development will have 12 homes with 7 parking spaces, Waterside Street is a very narrow street and there is very limited parking at this part.” However, North Ayrshire Council have said for the nature of such a development, an additional three car parking spaces are necessary, and this matter has been deferred, and are awaiting the applicant to provide further details.