PLANS to replace a canopy at Girvan's railway station have been given the green light - three years after it was taken down amid safety fears.

Network Rail lodged plans with South Ayrshire Council back in July for a replacement canopy at the station.

The previous structure was removed in the summer of 2021 due to concerns over its safety, and an application for listed building consent to replace it was submitted.

The application was created by IDP Architects LLP, who said in planning documents that the B-listed station building is the “only Art Deco style building in Scotland’s railway".

The document stated: “This proposal aims to reinstate the canopy as close to a like-for-like basis as possible.

“Other design factors to consider are proposing materials that provide enhanced longevity, minimise disruptions to the existing façade, non-combustible, aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the existing building.

“The proposed reinstatement of the canopy aims to preserve the architectural heritage of the station while addressing structural and maintenance concerns.

"By utilizing modern materials and design techniques, the new canopy will not only replicate the aesthetic appeal but also improve longevity, ensuring continued serviceability for years to come.”

The new canopy will be broadly similar to the former structure, including width, depth and elevation from the ground.

Approving the application, council planners said: “The proposed replacement canopy differs in dimensions from the original in that it is approximately 400mm shorter than the original, supporting documentation within the application submission states this is warranted in order to comply with structural calculations.

“The other notable design change over the original canopy is the use of more modern lightweight materials; these have been chosen to provide enhanced longevity and increase safety, and to minimise disruption to the existing fabric of the listed building while achieving an aesthetically pleasing replica of the original feature.”