Plans to build a new staff facility at the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) base in Prestwick have been approved.
The new build is set to include a gym, sleeping areas, medical suite and goods-in area.
Agents in the proposal were Wilson & Gunn Architects and the applicant is NATS, based in Fresson Avenue.
NATS are the largest air traffic control provider in the UK, providing air traffic control at 15 airports and managing all UK upper airspace from their two ATC Centres located in Prestwick and Swanwick.
According to a planning statement, the works relate to their existing ATC Centre located at Fresson Avenue, where a new staff support building will now be built.
In order to make way for the new build, Atlantic House will be demolished.
The planning statement said: “NATS have been located at Prestwick Airport since the 1970s, when they moved into Atlantic House. The Prestwick Centre was then constructed in 2009 and NATS is now delivering key ATC services from this centre.
“As a result, Atlantic House and the surrounding buildings have been primarily used for operational support services.
“With changes brought by the Covid pandemic it has resulted in implementation of flexible working practices leaving much of Atlantic House under used.
“This, combined with the age; inflexible layout; energy inefficiency; future maintenance; running costs and restricted access (for third parties because of site security) has led NATS to the conclusion that demolition is the best way to manage this under-used resource.”
The statement continues: “The removal of Atlantic House is proposed to be demolished soon and this will open up the site to the north of the Prestwick Centre where it is proposed to locate the new staff support facility and remodel the interior of the existing “eye” entrance feature to Prestwick House.”
According to the plans, the staff support facility is to be located to the north-east of the “eye” feature of the Prestwick Centre and will comprise 682 sqm total floor area over three floors.
The ground floor will be arranged with the following accommodation:
• Entrance foyer accessing stair and elevator
• Unisex changing rooms
• Toilets
• Plant Room
• Drying Room
• Storage
The first floor will include lobby, medical centre and staff gym. Floor two will include lobby, tea prep, toilet, plant and 12 bedrooms.
In conclusion, the report suggests that the new staff facility building will be a “positive element” contributing and consolidating their existing operation and provide “enhanced facilities” for staff.
Solar panels are to be fixed to the roof, too.
In approving the proposals, council papers said: “Overall, the principle of the proposed development is consistent with the policies of the LDP (Local Development Plan) in terms of supporting the development of industrial and business uses in established industrial and commercial areas.”