East Ayrshire locals are being warned to talk to the council before trying to build extensions.

There have been instances where people have been given the opportunity to buy land adjacent to their property, but then find out their plans do not comply with the terms of the council's local development plan.

The development plan sets out how land can be used, within the realms of Scottish planning policy, to protect and enhance open spaces and woodland in residential areas.

The advice being given is to "check before you by", to avoid disappointment.

Head of planning and environment, Michael Keane, said: "We have been made aware of a few instances recently whereby residents have been given the opportunity to buy land adjacent to their own property.

"For residents keen to build an extension or extend their garden, this can be a really tempting offer, but as we have found in recent weeks, this can often lead to disappointment, when they realise that their plans do not comply with the terms of our Local Development Plan.

"Open space and woodlands enhance our local residential areas, providing a valuable local amenity, having been designed as open space when those residential areas themselves were given permission. Their change of use is therefore rarely, if ever, encouraged.

"I would urge any resident who is considering buying land locally to take professional advice on all aspects of the purchase and land use, before they purchase."