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Bellway Homes have launched construction work on 146 new homes at Montgomerie Park, Irvine, after North Ayrshire Council became first in Scotland to adopt a new Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) for residential development to stimulate development on a prime housing site.
As part of the Scottish Government pilot, the Council adopted the SPZ which allowed developers to deliver a major housing project by providing planning consent upfront.
The SPZ provides a development framework with conditions that must be met. If developers comply with the parameters and conditions of the SPZ Scheme they do not need to apply for planning permission.
North Ayrshire was the first Local Authority, following public consultation, to introduce a residential SPZ in Scotland. This approach aimed to spark development at the site after slow delivery and sales rates in recent years post-recession.
Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council said: "We are delighted that the sale of the land has concluded and development is now ready to happen on this site.
"The site forms part of the Montgomerie Park masterplan. It has been on the development plan for residential development for around 30 years, with approximately half of 1000 new homes built to date.
"To encourage development, we had to look at trying something different and the SPZ provides a framework for delivery that allows developers flexibility and certainty whilst, through conditions, safeguards residential amenity."
The property marketing for the land covered by the SPZ commenced in January 2020. This was advertised via the Council's website and following the marketing process, a preferred bidder was identified. The sale has now concluded to Bellway Homes Limited for the development of 146 homes following Cabinet approval in November 2021.
The capital receipt from the sale will be used to support the North Ayrshire Council Capital Investment Programme, including a new Primary School and Early Years Centre at Montgomerie Park, as approved by Council on 4th March 2021.
