Councillors will be asked this week to approve plans for a 95-home development at Dalshalloch Wood near Auchinleck.

A report prepared by East Ayrshire Council officials says the proposals should be approved.

The site, on the western edge of the village is, as the name of the location indicates, a primarily wooded area.

Most of the trees are sitka spruce, but the area also homes larch, goat willow, silver birch, ash, beech, hawthorn, sallow and maple trees.

The south east section also features a grassed over dog racing track. A number of footpaths run through the site that link from Merlin Loch Park to Pennyland Road.

It has been allocated as residential development land in East Ayrshire Local Development Plan.

There would be a mix of two, three and four bedroom terrace, semi-detached and detached homes, with the main access from Pennyland Road and other non-vehicular access to the west, north and east of the site, including three from Merlin Loch Park.

The development would result in the loss of most of the trees at the wood, with the developers proposing to retain or replant trees around the edge of the site.

A SUDS (sustainable urban drainage system) drainage basin at the north of the site would be incorporated into an area to be used as public open space. Another sunken area on the west of the site would also become public open space.

The application indicates that a toddler play area would be installed as well.

Two new bus stops would be installed at Pennyland Road, close to the main access into the site.

The report states that there have been discussions with Auchinleck Community Council regarding the Marie Curie Field of Hope, which sits in the proposed development site. It states that a private arrangement has been made to plant at a nearby plot of land owned by Auchinleck Community Development Initiative.

This land is understood to be the land already being used for a Barony Memorial.

Another impact acknowledged in the report relates to wildlife.

The report there is ‘moderate suitability for foraging and commuting bats and notes that the proposed works would lead to the loss of suitable habitats’.

It calls on trees to be inspected prior to removal to determine whether they are potentially roosting locations. Other mitigation measures are recommended in respect of badgers, nesting birds, tree retention and construction works.

Noise and vibration from road and rail traffic on the new homes is also addressed, with two and three metre acoustic fences recommended.

Five separate representations were received from objectors.

They highlighted the impact on privacy of one Mauchline Road property, the impact on wildlife and the environment, existing water pressure  issues, drainage and sewage outflow.

Planning officials addressed the issues raised, saying that the proposals were acceptable ‘providing the appropriate mitigation measures are secured by condition’.

Councillors on East Ayrshire’s planning committee will consider the plan on Friday, October 28.