Planners block gym and shops plan
An old High Street hotel is in a “dangerous” state. And a major bid to knock it down the Ayr Royal Hotel and turn into a gym has failed. Builders Dawn Developments wanted to build a new block in its place to home a gym and shops. But the plan was cut short because council planners want the hotel preserved or refurbished instead. Councillor Peter Convery said: “I think Dawn Developments need to go away and think again. But the building is dangerous and not fit for purpose.” He said there were concerns about chunks of the front fascia falling off and pointed out there was a high footfall in front of it. Dawn, which owns the building, appealed the council’s original rejection of their vision for a replacement. The company said there was interest from two businesses to move into the proposed retail hub. And it was claimed the council showed “complete disregard of the exceptionally high vacancy rates in Ayr Town Centre.” It was once home to Martha Dickie’s pub. Dawn Developments hoped to replace it with a modern three storey block similar to the front of Debenhams. The 19th century building has lain empty for 10 years, which is three times longer than the average period of vacancy for a Scottish town centre. Designers claimed the cost of restoring the building would not be commercially feasible. Dawn accused the council of not giving “proper consideration” to financial information and details of the “physical condition” of the old hotel. But South Ayrshire Councillors resoundingly voted ‘ no’ again at the most recent Local Review Body meeting. The planning process brought to light the concerns about the stability of the old hotel beside Debenhams. The Local Review Body outcome said the appointed officers’ decision to refuse the application would be upheld. The result also concluded that the council’s building standards team must be told about “concerns relating to the structural condition and stability of the building.”