Landmark revamp approved

Plans to give historic Stumpy Tower in Girvan a makeover have been approved by councillors.

A canopy, new wall, paving, seats and tourist noticeboards are to be erected at the former jail in the town.

The Stumpy Steering Group won planning permission to install ground lighting and steps on the grounds of the Grade B listed building.

Objectors had voiced fears about noise generated by potential concerts and the site being too close to a busy road. The plans were approved at the council’s regulatory panel planning meeting last Wednesday.

Panel chair councillor Brian Connolly described the upgrade to the building as “positive.”

He added: “There were some concerns about concerts taking place but they would be on rare occasions. There were concerns about noise.”

A design statement offering more details on the plans said: “A new performance area will help the nearby community to utilize the site by offering space to young groups and a flexible audience space can be used alternatively as a market space.”

It added: “The proposals involve the upgrade of the immediate surrounding paved landscape at Stumpy Tower to provide a more usable and enjoyable space for locals and tourists alike.”

A council decision notice said: “The siting and design of the development hereby approved is considered to accord with the provisions of the development plan and there is no significant adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring land and buildings.”