Historic cottage plan is opposed

A group of neighbours in an Conservation area of Ayr have voiced concerns over a plan to extend a 160 year-old cottage.

The property in question is located at 6 Springvale Road, Ayr, where a developer aims to build a two stoey extension.

One concerned neighbour, Ailsa Leitch, said:“The cottages are blonde sandstone and sit in pairs down one side of the road.

“These are unique cottages, built in the 1860s, so unique, in fact, that numbers 2 and 4 have been granted ‘listed building’ status.

“The plans for number six take no account of this, as the proposed extension is two storey at the rear with a Juliet balcony, which will look into all the surrounding properties.

“The height and depth of this rear extension will mean the site is vastly overdeveloped.”

Ailsa also claims the proposed list of materials for the extension, ranging from grey/green cladding to black anthracite windows, is “totally out of character” with the surrounding properties.

Ailsa said: “I could go on. This will have a detrimental effect on the charm and character of this delightful part of Ayr.”

Other objectors have already made their feelings known.

Linda Boseley said in her objection: ”It will look so wrong, compared to the lovely houses in the street.

“This after all is a Conservation area, it needs to be kept that way.”

Alexander Service said:“The historical environment of Springvale Road is mainly made up of traditional bungalows and semi-detached blonde sandstone 1.5 storey cottages with single storey back garden extensions.

“The proposed extension is completely out of character to the area in terms of size, scale, materials and detailing.

“The proposed side garage extension would impact on the visual character and open aspects of the street as well as restricting light to our property.

“There is also concern, due to its size, whether it is intended for use as a vehicular garage or for future accommodation.”

And Susan McNair, who also lives nearby, said: “I fear this development could have a detrimental impact on our general well-being and mental health, as we will no longer get cherished time in the garden with evening sun.

“The existing skyline, from our garden, will be eradicated by this huge development.”

Neil Shedden said:“This will look totally out of place against the existing blonde sandstone properties.

“The size of the development is totally out of keeping with the other adjacent properties.”

Gill MacQuarrie said the plans would destroy the “ambiance“and be “detrimental” to the conservation area.

The application is listed as ‘pending determination ’by the local authority.

A site visit is expected to take place this Friday at 2.30pm .