Dumfries House extension plans revealed by King's Foundation

An application to East Ayrshire Council's planning team from Simpson & Brown, on behalf of The King's Foundation, is looking to create a permanent event space to the east of the building.

If approved, the space would cater for up to 200 guests and replace the existing marquee at the home, which has always been viewed as a temporary placement.

A view of how the extension would look (Image: East Ayrshire Council/Simpson & Brown) Overall, the plans would see a permanent extension to the stately home on the outskirts of Cumnock which was saved by the King's charity back in 2007.

A separate application looks to temporarily move the marquee while plans are progressed for the lasting new space.

READ MORE: Plans lodged for marquee transformation at King's Cumnock residence

In the submitted application, the planners say that the extension would be "sensitive to Dumfries House and its context".

A planning statement attached to the proposals adds: "The proposed extension consists of one large room with the character of a ballroom.

"The primary function of the proposed extension is to provide a permanent venue for weddings, unique in character, and of the highest quality.

"The reception and banqueting spaces will accommodate up to 200 guests, with state of the art facilities in the former east yard providing service and support."

Included in the plans would also be a new biomass building adjacent to the new venue, which would service the extension.

How the interior of the new 'ballroom' might look (Image: East Ayrshire Council/Simpson & Brown) The planning statement continues: "While the existing marquee pavilion is far more than just a tent, with its steel frame structure and internally panelled walls, it could only ever be a temporary measure.

"The price for this convenience is the adverse visual impact which the tented structure has on the category A listed mansion house.

"It has always been understood this [marquee] is a temporary solution to a difficult problem.

"The new pavilion will be an architectural improvement over the current pavilion, and its use as a wedding and event space will provide an income to support the continued conservation of Dumfries House and its estate."

Plans have been in the pipeline for a number of years now, with pre-application discussions having taken place with East Ayrshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Planners say that two initial letters of response were received from HES and the amendments requested in those emails have been included in the current application.

You can view the full application on the council's website, by searching for application 24/0528/PP.