PROPOSALS to repair parts of the façade of Ayr Sheriff Court due to the "immediate risk" of falling masonry have been approved.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) applied to South Ayrshire Council earlier this year for permission to make alterations to the Wellington Square building.

The foundation stone was laid in 1818 and the building was completed in 1822 at a total cost of more than £30,000.

The building contained the Justiciary Court and also the County Buildings. The former County Hall now serves as courtroom two.

In common with many court buildings of the time, there was originally a prison to the rear of the court.

This was demolished in the 1930s and the site used to erect the Ayr County Buildings, which are now the home of South Ayrshire Council.

The courthouse was refurbished in the early 1990s and some courts and offices to the west date to this period.

However, much of the building is now suffering from erosion due to exposure to the seafront elements, and temporary scaffolding has been erected around the building.

The SCTS is now planning a series of remedial works to repair and restore the stonework, in order to protect the public from falling debris.

Planning documents stated: "The immediate risk of falling masonry has been identified and some loose stonework removed however there is still essential repair work which needs to be carried out before full remedial and restoration work can commence.

"One area of concern is the cornice above the frieze above the main entrance. There are areas of the cornice which are cracking and failing.

"In some cases the remedial works may be straightforward – removal of damaged stonework and replacement by indenting or wholesale replacements however due to the scale, proportion and weight of some of the stones and the construction around them more care and consideration will need to be taken."

The plans have now been approved by council planners, who say that the repair works are "sound practice".

Documents state: "It is clear from the application submission, along with a visit to the site, that stonework, mullions and lintels have suffered deterioration and the application proposals seek to address these building fabric concerns.

"It is considered that the proposed works represent sound practice for the repair and maintenance of a listed building, and allow the original elements to remain unaltered in shape/size/appearance."