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Dreghorn Housing Development Faces Delays Over Consultation Issues

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. pment-faces-delays-over-consultation-issues.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 5:52 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Dreghorn, South Ayrshire - February 1st, 2026 - A proposed 250-home development on the western outskirts of Dreghorn is facing delays and increased scrutiny after South Ayrshire Council deemed the initial community consultation process "inadequate." The decision, handed down following a review of the developer's engagement strategy, signals a growing trend of local authorities prioritizing meaningful public involvement in large-scale housing projects.

The proposals, first brought to light in October 2025 by developers Persimmon Homes and Bellway Homes, immediately triggered a strong response from residents of Dreghorn and surrounding areas. Concerns centered around the potential strain on existing infrastructure - particularly roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport - as well as the overall impact on the character of the village. While the need for new housing is acknowledged locally and nationally, many residents felt the initial consultation lacked transparency and failed to adequately address these critical issues.

Now, a report presented to the South Ayrshire Council's planning committee has formalized these concerns. The report explicitly criticizes the clarity of the information presented to the public and, crucially, the lack of demonstrated responsiveness to the feedback received. Members of the committee highlighted that the initial consultation felt more like a presentation of a plan, rather than a collaborative discussion about a plan.

"The fundamental problem wasn't necessarily the development itself," explained Councillor Eleanor Vance, a member of the planning committee, in a statement released earlier today. "It was the way the developers approached the community. Residents felt their voices weren't being heard, and their legitimate questions were being brushed aside. A development of this size requires genuine dialogue, not just a tick-box exercise."

The Council has issued a firm instruction to Persimmon Homes and Bellway Homes, mandating a new phase of community engagement before the planning application can progress further. This second consultation must provide considerably more detail regarding the projected impact on local infrastructure. Specifically, the Council is demanding comprehensive assessments of traffic flow, school capacity, access to healthcare, and the ability of existing utilities to support an additional 250 households. Crucially, the developers are also expected to demonstrate how they will mitigate any negative impacts identified.

The demand for greater detail extends beyond physical infrastructure. Residents have also voiced concerns about the preservation of green spaces, the potential for increased noise and light pollution, and the impact on local wildlife. The Council is insisting that these environmental factors are also thoroughly addressed in the revised consultation.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council emphasized the authority's commitment to fostering positive community relations. "We firmly believe that all developments should be carried out with the full support of the local community. This isn't about obstructing progress; it's about ensuring that progress benefits everyone. We've listened carefully to the concerns of Dreghorn residents and are confident that a revised consultation process will lead to a more satisfactory outcome."

This case highlights a broader trend across Scotland and the UK, where local authorities are increasingly holding developers accountable for genuine community engagement. The days of 'consultation fatigue' - where residents feel that their input is ignored - are numbered. Councils are now actively demanding demonstrable evidence of how community feedback has been incorporated into development plans. The South Ayrshire Council's stance suggests a shift towards a more collaborative approach to planning, recognizing that successful developments are those that are embraced, not imposed, upon local communities.

As of this writing, Persimmon Homes and Bellway Homes have acknowledged the Council's decision and are reportedly working on a revised consultation plan. A statement is expected later this week outlining their proposed approach. Residents of Dreghorn are cautiously optimistic, hoping that this second attempt at engagement will be more meaningful and lead to a development that addresses their concerns and contributes positively to the future of their village.