CUMNOCK could be set for a major jobs boost after planning bosses gave the green light to plans for a new industrial estate on the edge of the town.
Taxi firm Ayrshire Transport lodged an application with East Ayrshire Council last July.
According to the plans, a total of 24 industrial type units will be built, along with 12 electric vehicle charging stations and 78 parking spaces.
The location of the proposed site is close to Ayrshire Transport's current base on Rigg Road, which can be seen from the rear of housing backing onto the Blackstone Heights development.
A design statement attached to the plans states that the development includes the demolition and removal of the existing industrial unit.
It adds that Ayrshire Transport will use a number of the units, with the rest of them being rented out for a range of other uses.
The statement says: "This proposal for our client/applicant, Ayrshire Transport, will see them relocate into the proposed units with additional space being created for sub-let to other industrial units and mixed uses to meet the demand in the surrounding area.
"The relocation of the business into the new premises, shall facilitate six admin staff, two trainees and approximately 30 drivers associated with the business. Not all drivers will be on site at the same time but will be using the facilities.
"The site was acquired by Ayrshire Transport in 2021 to be utilized as mixed-use development and sui generis use for their taxi operation."
The units will be available under a variety of use classes, including business, 'general industrial' and 'storage and distribution'.
It adds: "The proposals offer an aesthetic, low scale, contemporary and more sustainable proposal for the site and end user.
"The improved vehicular access, mixed use offer and scale of buildings on site, provide opportunities for smaller scale local business and end users the availability of a much more accessible and sustainable business unit.
"The applicant is a long and well known presence in the town, and is keen to continue to be part of and improve the facilities in and around Cumnock and the surrounding area."
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