THE site of a former primary school in Stevenston that has lain derelict for decades could be transformed into a social housing development if proposals get the green light.

Official plans have been lodged with North Ayrshire Council to build 20 new homes in Garven Road, where the old Ardeer Primary School was located.

The building was demolished in the early 1980s and the vacant site has since attracted vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Now, applicants Cunninghame Housing Association are hoping to get the go-ahead for the construction of 18 two-storey houses and two bungalows - including one wheelchair-accessible property, all of which will be made available for social rent.

The overgrown land, between Garven Road and Morris Moodie Avenue, was previously home to the school, which closed in late 1981.

A community consultation event was held in July and a design statement submitted with the application said the general feelings towards the proposed development were positive.

READ MORE: Have your say on plans for new homes at former Ardeer Primary School site

The document said: "The local residents were happy with the use of the land and agreed the area needs some regeneration.

"They also commented on the proposed aesthetics and liked how the new compliments the existing."

It added: "There were a few questions raised at the event, largely in connection to construction traffic and noise during construction.

"Other areas of concern were with regards to parking.

"The final point raised was in connection to privacy and concerns that the new dwellings will overlook the existing.

"We believe that the orientation of the blocks is sensitive to the existing properties and none of the blocks impose on the privacy of these."

The full application for planning permission can be viewed online by searching the council's planning portal for the reference code 22/00646/PP.