A BITTER row over controversial plans to build a £500million village on the outskirts of a Scots seaside town could come to a head in the New Year.

A major house builder wants planning permission to build up to 350 homes on agricultural land on the outskirts of Ayr and has launched three months of public consultations.

The residential development for Alston is part of the controversial south east Ayr development blueprint.

The proposal by Lynch Homes includes a new pedestrian bridge over the busy A77, improvements to the A713 and a dual carriageway from Bankfield Roundabout to a new roundabout into Alton.

Builder Steve Lynch said the development will also create an unspecified number of construction jobs.

It's the latest twist in an ongoing row between South Ayrshire Council and the house builder along with Jersey-based developer LXB Retail Properties.

The row has been triggered by plans to transform 450 acres of agricultural land and woodland into a village-sized community with 2700 homes with shops, a school and business park and the promise of 1500 new jobs. Outline planning approval was granted several years ago but no work has begun on the site which lies in Corton, Alton and Cockhill near Ayr.

Mr Lynch added: "Four years have passed since our original masterplan for South East Ayr was approved and we are excited to be bringing forward the Alton phase, in parallel with recently launched proposals by LXB for Corton, creating a real momentum behind this viable development."

Lynch Homes has told council chiefs that a planning application will be lodged in three months. Council official Mike Newall confirmed an application notice had been received. He added: "It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk