Ambitious plans by Irvine Cricket Club ace Graham Owens to set up a vending machine business for fresh produce in Dreghorn had planning chiefs bowled over on Monday.
A Notice of Review was submitted for the change of use of Jarvie Plant, Corsehill Mount Road, Dreghorn to a retail outlet for the sale of fresh food and healthy farm milk from vending machines after the plans were initially refused by officers.
At its meeting on September 28, the Local Review Body agreed that a hearing be held before the review request was determined, to provide the applicant an opportunity to explain their views and provide information on why the application would not undermine the Council's town centre first principle.
Business owner Graham Owens appeared with finance director Carrie McLaughlan and Brian Young of Lochhill Dairy Co in New Cumnock, who is supplying milk for the business.
Graham said: "One of the attractions to Jarvie Plant is that storage of the milk bottles is substantial and we need to have pallets of these glass bottles stored away safely.
"The parking is an attraction at the front. There are 16 spaces.
"I believe we have a very special project for both Irvine and North Ayrshire and Go Vending and it's recyclable and healthy with a fairer price for farmers.
"I met Brian Young from Lochhill Farm in New Cumnock and I looked at what he was doing and saw how we could add value to that and do something together. The milk is like what your mum and dad drank, it's healthy and the cream rises to the top."
Carrie said: "We had a lot of support from Economic Development at the council and are giving back to North Ayrshire and Ayrshire.
"Rather than take away customers it will bring them in and we are regenerating a vacant and derelict building."
Brian added: "With Go Vending people can do what they want. It is contactless, unmanned and easy to get to. People can do it whenever they want and are willing to grab something and go. This is an ideal location between two towns and there's easy access for customers. Milk is a healthy product."
He said it was much more convenient than supermarkets where you had to walk a fair distance to buy milk and were tempted by other items.
A motion from Councillor Stewart Ferguson to green light the plans was agreed by the committee.
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