A proposal to turn shop storage space into six flats in Ayr High Street has ‘disaster written all over it’, according to an objector.
A planning application for the proposals above the former Clinton Cards in the High Street, will be considered by South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel on Thursday.
The building is C Listed and falls within Ayr Central Outstanding Conservation Area.
A report to the panel states: “The proposal is considered to represent the suitable re-use of a vacant building located within the Ayr Town Centre, while ensuring that the character, appearance and setting of the listed building/ conservation is preserved.”
Councillors will be asked to take a decision, after planners received nine objections, including one from Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council.
The majority of the objections are related to bin storage and the suitability of the building for the flats.
One objector said: “Whilst I appreciate the decline of the High Street this is not the solution. Cramming six one-bedroom flats with no outdoor amenities into this space is a horrific proposal.”
They claimed that the lack of space for cars or deliveries would ‘result in abandoned vehicles in Kirkport’ and that the proposals for bin storage would ‘inevitably block access’.
They continued: “There is already huge issues with bins, debris and vermin in this are without the cumulative impact of adding yet more.
“This has disaster written all over it.”
Concerns around waste management and the impact on the C-listed building were echoed by other objectors.
These include noise from proposed air source heat pumps and the visual impact in a sensitive area.
However, planners said that none of the points raised by objectors merited refusal of the application.
They stated that the applicant had been contacted and confirmed a bin storage area would be provided, via a separate access from Kirk Port.
There were no objections from the council’s waste management service.
Planners did acknowledge issues around the heat pumps, responding that a condition would require the applicant to provide an acoustic consultants report.
Neither the council’s Waste Management Service, Ayrshire Roads Alliance or Environmental Health services offered any objections to the proposal.
The report continues: “It is noted from the submitted information that the building is currently vacant and therefore a suitable reuse for the building is to be welcomed.”
Planners did acknowledge that some of the proposed works would be visible to the public, but that the heat pumps and proposed solar panels would not.
However, they added: “In terms of the impact on the historic environment, it is recognised that from certain viewing angles that the proposed conservation repair works may be visible.
“That said, when viewed within the context of the building it is likely that the visual impact of the proposed works would be negligible.
“The proposed conservation repair works are considered to respect the character and appearance of the listed building and conservation area.”
Planners have recommended that the application is approved with conditions. Councillors will consider the report on Thursday, May 11.
Read next:
- Two Ayrshire seaside towns named worst in Scotland as top coastal destinations announced
- Huge holiday lodge plan decision expected as caravan park plots expansion
- Odeon Cinema to close in Ayr as company admits venue 'no longer viable'
- Adorable fox cubs living beneath hot tub for warmth spotted playing in garden
- Mysterious EuroMillions winner banks £1m and plots spending spree
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily
