Flooding and contamination fears have been raised regarding a site for a new housing development proposed for Skelmorlie.

The village community council have highlighted concerns over the proposed new Cunninghame Housing Association build which could bring 68 housing units to land east of golf course road.

Chairman Helen Boyle stated at a recent meeting that any new housing in this area could at risk at the Upper Skelmorlie reservoir would sit above the development.

She said: "The reservoir has been very full due to increased rain. This would be a threat if it overflowed and would impact upon the new housing.

"This needs to be properly assessed and taken into consideration before any work starts."

Another issue concerning the development is the contamination already believed to be on site opposite Hill View. The site had been partially cleared in the past, but concerns exist that the area still has contaminated materials.

It was pointed out at the recent community council meeting that there were the old huts with asbestos in the roof which were just bulldozed into the ground, as well as old tyres and waste from the demolition of a hospital, it has been claimed.

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch will request information on official paperwork as to what has been recorded as being dumped on this land at the next council meeting. He will also ask how the developers intend to safely clear the site following decontamination laws.

Residents of Sandybrae Road also raised a number of issues concerning the housing development including road infrastructure, drainage and sewerage, while Skelmorlie Community Council have also enquired regarding the eradication of knotweed from some of the areas earmarked for development.

Skelmorlie Community Council have been told that a topographical survey of the site will be taking place, while a survey into the removal of the Japanese Knotweed is also taking place.

Helen added: "Overall, it was felt that the council needs to seriously think of the infrastructure that would need upgrading throughout."

Skelmorlie Community Council have raised a number of issues with architect Ian Bridges who is behind the project.

Mr Bridges said: "We have have been given authority to Cunninghame Housing Association to access our site at the northern end, next to Hillview, for the purposes of a topographical survey. They will also take some boreholes, which will give us an idea of what is in the area of the tip, and what the water levels area. I have asked them to have the necessary Health and Safety plan regarding working in and around occupied premises.

"With regards the Japanese Knotweed, we now have a survey of its extent, and are progressing on costing out the eradication process.

"At my recent meeting with North Ayrshire Council, the coup was discussed. It was a registered coup and they are trying to look out the records. We are in dialogue with the contamination section through the planning department of North Ayrshire Council."

Pic: Google Maps.