DEVELOPERS of a new housing estate in West Kilbride have been ordered to put in place measures to lessen its 'visual impact' on the area.

The dictat was one of a number recommendations given by North Ayrshire's planning committee after outline planning permission was granted to Gladman Developments Ltd for the new project.

They have received the green light to move forward with a full planning application for the greenbelt site between the south of Meadowfoot Road and west of Ardrossan High Road.

Early proposals indicate a desire to build between 45 and 50 houses on the site but a final figure will only be revealed once the final planning application is submitted.

A public event was held at West Kilbride Village Hall earlier this year which raised issues among the community, including fears over impact on school and doctor provision, as well as flooding issues.

However the need for additional housing, particularly affordable housing, was another factor put forward during the consultation phase.

Consideration was given to population, employment profile and household expenditure in an economic assessment of the site.

A study shows that the housing proposal presents a high-level economic benefit from both from its construction and boost to the local population through additional retail spend and council tax income.

It is forecast that the development would 'impact positively on North Ayrshire in the long term and during construction'.

Russell McCutcheon, executive director of North Ayrshire Council, says: "The scale and appearance of the proposed housing development will be consistent with that of Meadowfoot and Law Hill.

"Mitigation is recommended at design stage to lessen any visual impact from development of the site."

One of the conditions placed on the development is that access for residential properties shall be from Ardrossan High Road only.

Traffic calming measures should be provided along the length of any Ardrossan High Road frontage and that road to be widened to a minimum of 5.5m and a linking 2m wide footway along the frontage.

A further more detailed application for planning permission would be required which would contain information on the number of properties, location, and design.