Preliminary plans have been lodged which could see a major development built in the centre of New Cumnock.

A Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) application has been submitted to East Ayrshire Council by Ferguson Planning on behalf of Wilson Auctions Ltd.

A transformation of the vacant site at 28 Castle has been earmarked.

According to the submission, proposals would see 11 terraced homes, 12 apartments and two retail or commercial units be built.

Access to the site would be via Castle, as well as from Afton Bridgend next to New Cumnock nursery, alongside the village's new flood defence scheme.

READ MORE: New Cumnock's £9m flood scheme officially opened

Wilsons Auctions is in the process of selecting a partner to develop the site and deliver the proposed development.

The preliminary submission says that the application is the first stage in that process and should PPP be granted, an approval of matters specified in conditions (AMSC) would follow.

Plans say that the site is long term vacant and comprises of a mix of grass, gravel and hardstanding cover, and it is brownfield in nature and accommodated a former dyeworks.

A planning statement attached with the proposals says: "The terraced units are linearly positioned along the developments access road, with the apartments contained over a block in the sites north east and four units proposed above the retail/commercial units.

"As a town centre site, where a mix of uses are present and supported, it is considered that the proposal would be of a scale and character that is in keeping with the context of the surrounding area and overall environment.

"Overall, the proposal will create a welcoming and attractive residential area that is well-integrated with its surroundings."

Cumnock Chronicle: Planned housing with the application.Planned housing with the application. (Image: Ferguson Planning)

It adds: "The proposed development would create the benefit of new, high quality homes within the town centre, with the provision of any required infrastructure enhancements to accommodate the proposed development.

"The increase in population would have a permanent effect on supporting population growth in the local area.

"This will help support the viability of local schools, whilst other local services will also be sustained by the new residents; and importantly, the spend of these new residents will also benefit the local area, by broadening the economic base as well as increasing council tax revenues."

A decision is expected to be made on the initial plans by the end of June.

You can view the full proposals by searching the East Ayrshire Council planning site for application 24/0209/PPP.