A dozen new council houses in Drongan have been given the green light despite objections from neighbours.

The majority of the homes at the Mill of Shield Road development will be three bedroom, with one larger four bedroom property and four two bedroom homes – including one for older and ambulant disabled people and one wheelchair accessible bungalow.

Each property will have at least two parking spaces with a further three visitors spaces being created.

Two objectors raised issues with East Ayrshire Council planners. One resident wrote that they were concerned that the boundary line of the new homes would all but cut off their rear access road at Hannahston Avenue during construction.

They argued that this would not only affect the residents who used it for their bins, but would also hinder emergency services requiring access.

While planners indicated that there was ‘no intention to permanently block off Hannahston Avenue’, it was not an issue related to planning approval and the matter would be dealt with by the council and contractor as applicant.

A further complaint was made about privacy and noise, with the objector stating that there would be ‘people coming and going at all hours’ at the rear of their property.

It was also claimed that the view, which is currently open space, would be impacted by the new homes.

The planning officials insisted that all of the designs meet the required distances and positions to avoid impinging on privacy, adding that  a ‘loss of view is not a material planning consideration’.

Any issues with noise, their report states, would be dealt with under separate environmental legislation.

No objections were received from statutory bodies and the application was approved with standard conditions.