Prince's eco-village to go ahead

Published on Friday 21 January 2011 18:59

THE first phase of a new sustainable Scottish village designed by Prince Charles has received planning permission.

Work will begin in the spring on Knockroon in Ayrshire, which has been dubbed the "Scottish Poundbury".

The land for the development was bought by the Prince's Charities Foundation at the time of the acquisition of nearby Dumfries House in 2007.

It was acquired as part of his vision to use the stately home and its collection to help with the regeneration of the Cumnock area as part of a "heritage-led regeneration" initiative.

The initial phase, given the green light yesterday by East Ayrshire Council, will comprise 87 homes, 12 work units, four commercial buildings and a local shop.

Anne Hope, director of Hope Homes (Scotland), the housebuilder developing the land in partnership with the foundation and ZeroC Holdings, said: "Knockroon has been designed to foster a real sense of community. I think this is the sort of place in which families will very much want to set up home.

"It represents a unique chance to be part of something special, and when it is complete, we feel that the people of Ayrshire will take pride in Knockroon."