NEW housing plans which could see the population of Monkton double have been lodged with planners.

The plan for almost 300 new homes has previously been mooted, and would utilised the mothballed HMS Gannet site which closed in 2016.

The proposed development will also encompass two important historical structures - the A-listed Macrae Monument and a windmill.

It would mean an unprecedented rise in population for the village - which was estimated to have around 1,080 residents in 2016.

The initial proposals were put forward by Dawn Homes. The latest planning application has been lodged by Persimmon Homes, retaining the same number of houses.

In a supporting statement the developer wrote: “The proposed development will deliver much needed new private and affordable homes within South Ayrshire.

“The layout also preserves and enhances the settings of the listed buildings and Scheduled Monument whilst making them more accessible and understood through interpretation boards.

“A series of new footpaths will extend around the site to enhance the footpath network.

“The submitted Transport Assessment demonstrates that there is no adverse affect on the surrounding local or trunk road network. The effect of cumulative developments within South Ayrshire may however result in the need for mitigation measures at the Dutch House Roundabout.”