NEARLY 200 new homes could be coming to Saltcoats after planning applications were lodged with North Ayrshire Council.

£13million of investment from Persimmon will see them build 96 new homes in the town and local housing association Cunninghame Housing will have 76 new homes for rent, following on from 24 that have been built in phase three of the programme at the Sharphill site at the top of the town.

Plans were lodged last week to North Ayrshire Council and it is hoped that work will begin on the new housing in the summer of next year.

Doug Law, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “The key to a successful development is finding sites that have the right combination of location and accessibility.

“We pride ourselves in building high quality homes in sought-after locations and hope that we can deliver our range of homes that househunters want to buy.

“Having successfully worked in the Sharphill area of the town in 2006 we know that the location is appealing and we look forward to working in the area again.”

Frank Sweeney, Chief Executive of Cunninghame Housing Association said: “The Phase 4 site was included in the North Ayrshire Strategic Housing Investment plan and with the support of our strategic partners, North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, we will be delivering a further 76 new homes for rent in this desirable location.

“We have now lodged our planning application and our intention is that work will start on site in the Summer of 2019.

“The immediate adjacent land to the north is also subject to a current planning application by Persimmon which will provide 96 new private homes.

“We are working in conjunction with Persimmon to provide the appropriate pedestrian and transport linkages between both sites as part of the overall masterplan for the area.”