Ground has been broken on a new housing development that will see more than 400 new homes built in Kilwinning. 

North Ayrshire Council leader Marie Burns and depute leader Shaun Macaulay were welcomed to Persimmon Homes' Byrehill Grange development.

The top team broke ground for the new neighbourhood, and were given a tour and heard more about the plans to transform the site into much-needed new homes.

The Byrehill Grange development, just off Byrehill Place, will offer a variety of 426 two to four bedroom energy-efficient new homes.

Planning permission for the project was granted by North Ayrshire Council in 2022 after initial concerns over traffic management in the vicinity of the nearby St Luke's Primary School were allayed.

The housing developer completed its purchase of the land in September.

Persimmon had initially hoped to begin work on the site by the end of 2023, but after a slight delay, work is now under way.

The development will transform vacant, derelict land within the town into a vibrant new housing development – helping to breathe new life into the area.

The development will feature work to increase biodiversity in the area, including wildflower meadows.

The nearby Penny Burn will also be rerouted through Byrehill Grange, which will contain significant areas of open space and incorporate a range of play areas for local families.

Chris Logan, managing director of Persimmon West Scotland, said: "We’re delighted that work on our Byrehill Grange development is now underway.

"Not only will it deliver 426 energy-efficient new homes, it will also create jobs and generate investment in the local economy.

“With the price of our homes 20 per cent below the average in Scotland and around half of our customers first-time buyers, we’re proud to be helping more local families take their first steps onto the housing ladder.

"We want to continue working with the council to make Kilwinning and North Ayrshire an attractive place to live and work.”  

Councillor Burns said: “Thank you to the Persimmon team for the invitation and for the opportunity to hear all about their ambitious plans for this latest housing development here in North Ayrshire. 

“These new modern houses will provide warm and energy-efficient homes for residents, in line with North Ayrshire Council’s sustainability ambitions, as well as providing opportunities for young people to train as apprentices.

"I look forward to visiting the development again as it progresses.”