Flats could replace a bar and restaurant in Stewarton town centre.
A planning application to change the use of the former Oven premises, which closed in May, and the adjoining bar, The Vennel, has been submitted to East Ayrshire Council.
The premises take up the ground and first floor at the property in Vennel Street. If approved the development would see two flats built on each of the two floors.
A planning statement on behalf of the applicant Eunice Farrell states: “The Grade C listed building was previously utilised as a bar/restaurant with residential accommodation on the topmost floor.
“Our proposals are to refurbish the property to form four new apartments on the ground floor and the first floor whilst utilising the existing car parking and forming a new private garden space from the existing outdoor seating area.”
The building was a granary which was then used as a bar/restaurant from 2009. Oven closed in May this year after three years operating.
The application argues that, while the property is in the town centre and sits among commercial properties, it also borders a residential area.
Despite being located in the town centre and nestled amongst other commercial properties,it also borders areas of residential development
The building is also adjacent to two existing residential units.
As well as a change of use, the applicant says that the interior would have to be largely refurbished to reconfigure the new apartments.
The applicant continues: “The existing outdoor garden space which was previously used as outdoor seating area for the restaurant will form the new garden space for the residents with a new fence to maintain the privacy.”
The applicant says that it aims to preserve the existing look of the property where it can, with all windows and doors kept as they are, or designed to match.
They also state that materials would be high quality and locally sourced where possible ‘to minimise environmental impact of transportation whilst supporting the local economy and making a positive contribution to the locale.
They added: “The refurbishment of the property will ensure the life of the building is extended, and in a way which results in substantially lower environmental impact than a new-build property.”
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