A gated block of flats got the go-ahead in a millionaires’ row after four councillors abstained from voting on the plan.
The apartment block is to be built on upmarket Bentinck Crescent in Troon despite objectors voicing fears over traffic and over-development.
Innovate Homes was granted permission to build the two-storey property for eight flats and 16 car parking spaces on the large site of a demolished house last week.
The flats at number 31 would be accessed through electric gates, a South Ayrshire Council planning meeting heard.
The site, shown above, which is close to Piersland House Hotel, falls just outside the conservation boundary.
It is unusual in that all the properties in the crescent are mansions and on one-side only, surrounded by a large area of grassland.
Troon Community Council vice chair Douglas Graham said: “The traffic movements associated with 16 vehicles would increase noise, air and light pollution.”
He added: “There is a real concern it would open the floodgates for other flatted developments.”
Resident Alexis Doolan described the plan as an “over intensification” of a space meant for only one single house.
She added: “They are not in keeping with the scale and character of this residential area.”
Mum Jill Burns described the development as “incongruous.”
Mrs Burns pointed out proposed electric gates at the property could lead to cars queuing and may cause her children to walk on the road instead of pavement.
She added: “It is sacrilege that so many trees have been cut down.”
She said the development “would take away from the quiet suburban street scene” and it was causing neighbours “stress” and “anxiety.”
Agent Mhairi Shaw, representing the developer, said: “The trees are not protected.”
She pointed out there are plans to carry out planting and efforts were made to preserve trees.
Voicing his disapproval of the plan, Councillor Convery said: “I wouldn’t agree with it any shape or form. It is incongruous.”
Half of the councillors sitting on the planning committee abstained from voting. The four who abstained included Troon’s Conservative Councillor Convery and the SNP’s Councillor Craig Mackay. Prestwick Tory Councillor Margaret Toner and Ayr East Conservative Councillor Mary Kilpatrick also didn’t vote.
The four other politicians who approved the plan were the chair Independent Councillor Brian Connolly, Conservative Girvan and South Carrick Councillor Ian Fitzsimmons and Labour Councillors Andy Campbell, Kyle, and Ayr North’s Ian Cavana.
Councillor Connolly would have had the ruling vote if all the councillors who abstained had refused the bid.
A planning document said: “The proposed development takes design cues from other Arts and Crafts properties in the locality.”
