PLANS to change the former Malcolm Sargent House into an extra care development in Prestwick has received backlash with over 15 objections.

The proposed application for the recent site that was a holiday home for sick children, hopes to create 69 retirement apartments for people over the age of 70 with packages of care and support, including a serviced restaurant, lounge, laundry, sun terrace and a visitor’s guest suite.

The development site, situated on Links Road, plans to also build associated parking and landscaping.

Consultation responses from Prestwick Airport, Scottish Water and SEPA all gave no objection to the proposed application, however, Scottish National Heritage expressed concerns regarding bats around the existing building – in a recent bat survey, it found that there were no bats roosting in or around the building.

A statement from SNH said: “We are satisfied with the results of the bat surveys; however, we advise that if the buildings remain standing more than 12 months after the survey of May 2017 then further updated dawn/dusk surveys should be undertaken prior to demolition. 

“If bats are found to be roosting then a bat protection plan should be produced.”

Local objectors have voiced their opinions of the proposed development being an “eyesore” and having “negative impacts on the natural and historic surroundings”.

One objected, Mr Tulloch of Seagate, Prestwick, said: “The buildings to be demolished, although not listed, are of some architectural interest and blend in with the nearby houses.

The proposed replacement is an eyesore and, whilst doubtless functional, clearly has absolutely no architectural merit.

“Prestwick and its locality attract thousands of tourists annually who make a major contribution to the economy and more than 8000 of the will play on Prestwick Golf Course this year and to lower the standard of the environment is surely not in the long-term interests of anyone.”

The site development, however, has received a number of supporting letters.

The planning application will go to the Regulatory Panel to be decided in the coming months.