PLANS to bring a former bank building in Cumnock back into use five years after it closed have been given the green light by planning chiefs.
Officials from East Ayrshire Council have approved an application to convert the former Clydesdale Bank premises in The Square into a restaurant.
Applicant Stevie Hooper-Sanders, of Barrhill Road, Cumnock, lodged a 'change of use' planning application for the building with council officers in October 2021.
Due to its status as a B-listed building, there are major restrictions on what can be done at the property, which has lain empty since the bank's doors closed for the last time in April 2017.
A report submitted to planners reads: “The property is the ground floor of a category B listed building, which was historically the Clydesdale Bank, and is within the conservation area.
“The proposal aims to change the use of the ground floor of the building from financial and professional services to food and drink in order to establish a restaurant.
“It also aims to install a vent on an exterior wall to the rear and refurbish the windows on the principal elevation.”
READ MORE: What's happening to Cumnock's empty bank buildings?
It adds: "External alterations to the building were ‘considered to be sensitive to the listed building and surrounding conservation area’."
It's not yet known what type of restaurant is planned for the premises.
Planning permission was granted with several conditions, including the restriction of construction work to the hours between 8am and 6pm daily from Monday to Friday, and from 1pm to 8am on Saturday.
Building work should not be audible from the site on Sundays and public holidays.
Other conditions relating to the kitchen odours and fumes were imposed after the council’s environmental health department had initially objected to the plans on the basis that ventilation at the property was not suitable.
The historic windows and doors will be retained and refurbished, thus appeasing planners concerns that the historical character of the building be protected.
The report concludes: “The proposed change of use will increase the amenity of Cumnock town centre by introducing a restaurant to the area.”
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