Published: Thursday, 2nd July, 2009 11:33am

Knockroon Application Launched

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Following consultation with the local community, The Prince"s Foundation for the Built Environment has submitted an outline planning application for the proposed new neighbourhood of Knockroon, on behalf of The Prince"s Charities Foundation.

This development, to be built on land acquired by HRH The Duke of Rothesay within his purchase of Dumfries House, will form an urban extension to Cumnock. The submission has been made this week to East Ayrshire Council for a mixed use community comprising 770 housing units with associated shops, workplaces, community facilities and open spaces, all within walking distance. Of the 770 houses, 250 will be delivered by 2017, 330 by 2035 and the remainder thereafter.

Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive of The Prince"s Foundation comments: 'Creating sustainable and green neighbourhoods is all about finding solutions that will stand the test of time - not about gimmicks or quick fixes. In our view, this plan is broad and robust enough to deliver growth and quality of life over the long term linking to natural and economic assets. It will offer lasting benefit to its own residents as well as those living in adjacent neighbourhoods.'

A decision from the local authority is expected in Autumn of this year. Two developers - Scotia Homes which is based in Aberdeenshire and Zero C which was involved with development at Poundbury, the model sustainable urban extension developed by HRH - have been appointed and subject to planning permission being granted, will prepare detailed designs and applications.

It is expected that the application will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting in Patna next week, along with the Enquiry by Designs. At the same meeting, Councillors are expecting to make a decision on the new co-located school building for Patna and St Xavier's primaries.