Have your say and help shape the design and development of new Council houses.
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South Ayrshire Council is calling on local residents to have their say in the design and development of new Council houses – the first to be built in more than 30 years.
As part of the Council's commitment to increasing the number of local affordable homes for rent 42 two, three and four bedroom Council houses are being built in the Thornyflat area of Ayr.
The new build project is being funded in partnership with the Scottish Government – and building work is set to start soon.
Initial design proposals will be on display from today (Friday 16 July) at the John Pollock Centre, Carnegie Library and Ayr Housing Office with comment cards available for customers to let us know what they think.
The plans are also available for viewing and comment, Monday to Friday only, until Thursday 29 July between 1pm and 2pm, at St Quivox Parish Church in Dalmilling.
Councillor Douglas Campbell, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Customer First said: "We are keen for local residents to have their say on the proposals and to provide their feedback before the consultation process ends on 30 July.
"Comments cards can be filled in at one of the above locations or you can submit your views online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations
Councillor Campbell continued: "We warmly welcome the views, ideas and thoughts of local people on the development of these new Council houses. Working together we will consider all comments and suggestions with a view to building homes that deliver maximum benefit to the tenants who will live in them.
"This is a significant opportunity to make sure we lay solid foundations for the future and I would encourage all interested parties to take the time to view the plans either at one of the selected locations or via our website."
The consultation on the initial designs begins on Friday 16 July and lasts until Friday 30 July.
Jim Hendry, Chair of the South Ayrshire Tenants' Group said: "The South Ayrshire Tenants' Group is pleased to see much needed new Council houses being built at Thornyflat and we welcome the opportunity for the public to have their say on shaping the design of these homes.
"While welcoming the Scottish Government funding of £30,000 per unit it needs to be understood that the Housing Revenue Account, the money that comes from council rents, will make up the difference.
"With this in mind, we will work closely with the Council to help deliver this project successfully and will continue to represent the best interests of all tenants in South Ayrshire in order that they can enjoy high quality homes at a fair and consistently affordable rent."
"The next meeting of the South Ayrshire Tenants Group will take place in the John Pollock Centre on Tuesday 27th of July at 10.00am and any tenant is more than welcome to attend."
Local councillor Tom Slider said: "I positively welcome the new development in this area that brings much needed affordable housing to the local community.
"The architect's plans are forward thinking and I would encourage local tenants and residents to view the ideas and to make sure their own views are represented in the consultation process."
Local resident Nam Williamson concluded: "It's exciting to see new build homes being proposed in this area and the designs and ideas look excellent.
"I'm also keen to see issues such as transport, education and work factored into the growth and development of the local area, supporting new and existing tenants.
"The fact we're being listened to is healthy and I know of others, including myself, who warmly welcome this opportunity to have our say."