A CONTROVERSIAL plan to put new offices on a key historic riverside site were sensationally thrown out by councillors last week.

More than 70 people had turned out to voice their views on the proposals, which would have seen council offices built on the former Woolworths site.

Local campaigners had not been satisfied with the plans - even after the council added a small public realm in their plans - and asked them to think again.

And following a lengthy debate councillors voted to reject the proposal last wednesday at South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel. 

Planning permission to go ahead with the designs had been sought by Keppie Architecture on behalf of South Ayrshire Council.

Before the meeting, Chris Mitchell, of Keppie Architecture, pointed out that the site already had outline planning permission  

He said : “There are 36 conditions including design and architecture and there have been no objections from Historic Environment Scotland.

“It complies with the masterplan for the site and the recommendation from the council officers is welcome. While residents object we welcome them to get involved.”

Cllr Siobhian Brown, referred to her constituents, adding: “I am asking the council to refuse this application, withdraw it and resubmit designs.

“Over the past few months I have received objections and I am baffled as to how we have reached this place. 

“There were three options for office blocks including working in the empty space of Ayr Police Station, the Arran Mall and the Riverside which is the most expensive with the least car parking space.

“I would like to see an open space with bars and restaurants on the river front. I do believe we need offices but I don’t believe council offices should threaten Ayr’s history which I have learned so much about.

“The sheer volume of opposition speaks and should be listened to.”
Objectors were then allowed to speak in opposition to the plans. After 20 people had their say a recess was taken to make a decision.

A motion was made to reject the proposal by Cllr Mary Kilpatrick, seconded by Cllr Margaret Toner, which argued that the new plan did not follow the original masterplan. 

The proposal was unanimously rejected.