Muirkirk plans: Homes proposed on top of former mine

An application from Calum Smith Architect on behalf of Mr Lindsay Cook would see the new build be located on vacant land on the village's A70 Smallburn Road.

But officials say that enough time has passed since the last extraction of coal from the area that the buildings are unlikely to be affected if the plans get the green light.

The plans for the two identical three-bedroom homes include space at each property for a kitchen, lounge area, two bathrooms, a garage and two separate parking spaces.

A floor plan for the homes. (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Scottish Water and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance have both said they have no objections to the proposal.

A Coal Authority report attached to the plans says the properties should not be affected by the area's history of deep coal mining.

The Coal Authority's report states: "The property is in a surface area that could be affected by underground mining in three seams of coal, at 220m and 330m depth, last worked on 1964.

"Any movement in the ground due to coal mining activity associated with these workings should have stopped by now."

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It added: "The property is not within a surface area that could be affected by present underground mining.

"The property is not in an area where the Coal Authority has received an application, or is currently considering whether to grant, a licence to remove or work coal by underground methods."

The last deep coal mine in the Muirkirk area, Kames Colliery (sometimes spelled Kaimes), closed in 1968 after nearly a century of operation.

The colliery earned an unwanted place in history after 17 men died in a gas explosion at the pit on November 19, 1957.

According to the application, a decision is due to be made on the plans by Friday, March 15.

You can view the full application on the East Ayrshire Council website.