Eaterie and shop proposals
Plans to demolish a former pet aquarium in Prestwick- to make way for a restaurant, shop and flats-are expected to be placed under the spotlight tomorrow.
Members of South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Committee will meet on Thursday and decide the fate of the proposals.
Zaina Ali has applied for planning permission to demolish the site at 124 Main Street.
And in its place he wants to erect a new eatery and retail unit on the ground floor and construct two flats above.
However, the proposal has sparked a number of objections with one resident claiming there are enough places to eat in the busy town already.
And a man who lives next door to the proposed development said he is “fervently opposed” to the plans.
Ronald Ross said: “The most notable concern, for me, is the major disruption and ground unsettling the demolition of the adjacent property would bear on common walls, the gable end and ultimately my house.
“Serious consideration should be afforded to my property in respect of it being over 200 years- old.
“The existing wall which separates my property from 124 Main Street has been a common boundary for the two properties for longer than my occupation; 40 years.
“This wall offers us security, privacy and any plans to demolish it I would fervently oppose.”
A document lodged with South Ayrshire Council’s planning department pointed out a new two storey building needs to be erected as the current property is “structurally unsound and decaying.”
A statement from agents, Bennett Developments and Consulting, said the restaurant will help to “animate the street and generate activity which will contribute to the sense of safety and wellbeing so essential in the urban setting.”
A report to go before councillors tomorrow states: “The alterations and extensions to the premises involve the partial demolition of the 1.5 storey building to form a two- storey building fronting Main Street and a single storey flat roof extension which shall project from the rear elevation of the property.
“An area of land to the rear of the property shall be retained for amenity space for the proposed two dwelling flats, as well as outdoor storage for bins for the commercial and residential properties, respectively.”
Another opponent of the plans is Shonagh Dunlop, who said in her objection: “We are already well catered for in Prestwick and there is no need for a retail unit and restaurant in the middle of the town.
“Another carry out restaurant will lead to an increase in litter.”
Tomorrow’s remote meeting will start at 10am.