Moves to transform a former Saltcoats bank into a takeaway have taken a major step forward.
Planners have given the green light to a change of use for the vacant RBS building in Chapelwell Street which closed in June 2018.
Applicant R Helliwell plans to subdivide the ground floor property into a hot food carry-out and Class 2 Unit (financial, professional and other services).
Each section would have five members of staff according to indicative drawings submitted to North Ayrshire Council by ADL Architecture.
Three letters of objection to the proposal were lodged with the local authority's planning department.
Concerns raised included increased footfall in the area which could lead to more noise, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
One objector voiced fears that the noise could unsettle dogs in a neighbouring dog care business.
Worries were also raised with regards to smells and odours emanating from the property; an increased fire risk to the building; adverse impact on property values and additional pressure on existing car parking in the town centre.
However, subject to some conditions, planning chiefs ruled there were no grounds to reject the proposals.
The change of use application was approved on the basis that...
- The takeaway does not operate outwith the hours of 9am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am to midnight Friday and Saturday.
The Class 2 unit does not operate outwith the hours of 6am to 10pm.
- The noise levels associated with the premises, including extraction system and flues, fall within permitted levels
- The operator provide expert written certification that the extraction system is suitable for use in a catering environment; will provide a suitable rate of extraction above all cooking appliances; will provide sufficient fresh 'make-up' air to replace extracted air.
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