A business owner has won a battle to expand his retail operation on Dalmellington Main Street.
Premier Keystore owner, Malik Ahmed, previously sought permission from East Ayrshire Council to build a new shop unit adjacent to his existing premises on the Main Street.
Its last use was for storage on the ground floor, while there was formerly a brass band practice hall on the first floor, according to the application.
The agent in the proposals said in a design statement that the plans involved the “infill” of the existing gap site at 10 Main Street and the conversion of the existing rear building to form a new Class 1 retail shop unit.
They also say that the proposal would “allow the expansion” of the existing retail unit, adjacent at 12-14 Main Street, a Premier Keystore convenience supermarket, owned by the applicant.
The statement continues: “The application will infill a long established gap site, improving the character and amenity of Main Street, Dalmellington and also convert and re-use the existing building and dilapidated rear building which was formerly a garage/storage on the ground floor and the local brass band practice area hall on the first floor. The building has not been used for a considerable number of years.”
The agents also said the plans represented an “investment” by the applicant to “improve the retail facilities” within the town centre and the chance to “enhance” the service and amenity within Dalmellington for the local population.
However, there were a flurry of objections to the proposals, which are earmarked within the local conservation area.
Sandra Mair said in her objection: “Increasing the size of the shop will increase traffic and parking in a narrow road that is already congested and lacks parking. There are already traffic issues when the current store receives deliveries.”
John Anderson’s objection read: “Our village has recently opened a new convenience store bringing a total of four to the town with another two in Bellsbank half a mile away. Any increase in stationary traffic would be potentially dangerous.”
And Wilma and Campbell Fisher said the proposal would reduce the amount of sunlight into the back of their property, the noise of any new air conditioning units would be of “concern” and the conversion of the band hall would “encroach” on their privacy.
In approving the proposals, with conditions, council papers said: “The proposed extension is not considered to contribute to an unacceptable loss of daylight. Due to the existing building density, sunlight is already limited in those areas of concern and the proposal is not considered to exacerbate this.
“Overall, the proposed extension is not considered to have an unacceptable negative impact on the residential amenity of the area. Suitable mitigation measures have been proposed in order to ensure that amenity is protected and the proposal does not cause a disturbance to neighbouring residential properties.”