More than 500 new homes could be set for Irvine at Tournament Park.

Persimmon Homes hopes to construct up to 520 homes on 72.35 acres site between Ayrshire Central Hospital and the A78 to the North West of Irvine

An Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion was requested for the development ahead of a planning application – with the request agreed earlier this month.

Planning documents state: “The scale of the development is considered appropriate given the mix of surrounding uses and re-use of a vacant brownfield site.

“The proposed storey heights and density will also be similar to the immediate area and wider town of Irvine. Furthermore, the site is urban area and anticipated to deliver new homes between 2019-2024.

“The proposed residential use is compatible with surrounding land uses due to being located on the edge of the existing settlement of Irvine directly adjacent to existing residential areas. The Transport Assessment that will accompany the application submission will assess the impact the proposed development would have on the local road network and will take into consideration existing usage.

“It is proposed to retain, where possible, the trees both within and around the edge.

“The majority of the trees in the southern and western sections of the site are covered by Tree Preservation Order Irvine No 3 or are classed as Ancient Woodland. These trees will be retained unless unsafe. Given the existing use of the land the proposed development will not result in the loss of any biodiversity interests.

“Waste generated during construction will be disposed of appropriately. The completed development will comply with Council standards on waste disposal, recycling storage and collection requirements.

“The proposed residential development is compatible with surrounding uses and not anticipated to create an unreasonable nuisance or levels of pollution either during construction or once operational.

“Site investigations will be undertaken to ensure that the site is developable and any pollution dealt with appropriately. It is not considered to have potential to cause a significant impact on the environment.”