260‑home expansion of Kilmarnock set for approval

The application, lodged by Hallam Land Management, covers a 10.4‑hectare grazing site at Buntonhill, Fenwick Road, Kilmaurs, identified in the council’s Local Development Plan as part of a wider strategic expansion area.

Planning officers say the indicative masterplan demonstrates capacity for around 260 homes, though detailed designs would come forward at a later stage. As a major development, the scheme must be determined by the council’s planning committee, which meets on 24 April.

Approval is recommended subject to several conditions, including:

• agreement on affordable housing provision
• developer contributions towards education infrastructure
• further detailed applications before any construction can begin.

Access would be taken from the east, connecting into the existing spine road within the neighbouring Northcraigs development.

A high‑pressure gas pipeline runs north–south through the site, requiring significant stand‑off distances. To accommodate this, the indicative layout proposes a substantial area of open space along the pipeline corridor, with housing arranged to either side.

Additional features include structural landscaping, further open space provision and a SUDS (sustainable urban drainage) area in the south‑west corner.

If councillors approve the proposal, Hallam Land Management would then be able to bring forward a full, detailed application for further scrutiny.

The site forms part of a masterplanned growth area earmarked in East Ayrshire’s development plan, intended to support long‑term housing delivery around Kilmarnock.