Residents have again criticised council chiefs for knocking back for a new discount supermarket in Stanecastle after nearly 200 houses were given the go ahead.

Plans for 197 Persimmon homes were given the greenlight at Crompton way after planning chiefs refused plans for a new Lidl supermarket at another nearby site, creating around 40 jobs.

We reported last month how a third bid to build a drive-thru Starbucks at Girdle Toll BP petrol station and create nine jobs in Irvine had again been refused by planning chiefs.

When the Times broke the news that the homes adjacent to the North Newmoor Industrial Estates had been agreed by councillors on the planning committee, residents once again blasted officers for knocking back amenities serving the same area.

Scott Francey said: “Makes you laugh, houses everywhere but Lidl and a Starbuck coffee shop are a no no with this council. Build thousands of houses while limiting facilities.

“When Montgomery Park was given planning permission it was also stipulated there would be shops built in the same area along with another primary school. Still don’t see any of them.

Ian Kerr said: “What about schools, GP’s and nurseries. We will just overload the existing infrastructure. “

Elaine Nicol said: “Another estate with no shop, no school. Bring Lidl back to Irvine. Lots of folk scared to go to town thanks to COVID. Irvine is bigger than the town centre. Need to go with the times.”

North Ayrshire Council said in a statement: “Planning officers rejected their application to develop at a site close to the Stanecastle roundabout in February.

“All planning decisions across Scotland must be made in accordance with that council’s Local Development Plan (LDP).

“The Plan is produced every five years and involves lengthy consultation with residents across the region.

“An application that doesn’t comply with the LDP can only be approved if there are other material considerations which override the LDP. Planning Officers assessed that there were no material considerations which would outweigh their conclusion that the proposal did not comply with the LDP.

“The Local Review Board will have to base their decision on the same principles.”

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