PLANS for a new Italian takeaway in Ayr town centre are one step closer.

The Pizzaioli operates a popular restaurant on the Sandgate alongside a takeaway operation on New Bridge Street.

The business lodged a planning application earlier this year with South Ayrshire Council for a change of use for a building in South Harbour Street. 

The restaurant looked to change the building from a retail establishment to a hot food takeaway. 

Announcing the news on their social media pages, the business told customers to "watch this space". 

The proposals have now been given the green light by council planners, who said the plans were in keeping with past uses for the building. 

Approval documents said: "It is not considered that the amenity of the residential properties located in close proximity to the application site will be compromised to such an extent which would merit refusal of the application given the previous land use as a public house/restaurant.

"Additionally, it is recognised that there are numerous public houses and restaurants/takeaways within the vicinity where residential uses and commercial uses coexist.

"As previously mentioned, the level of residential amenity experienced within a town centre is different to that of a suburban area; however, should any statutory noise nuisance occur, the council's environment health service has powers to address such matters."

A separate application for the erection of signage for the building has also been lodged, stating the eatery will be called 'Pizzaioli To Go'.

The proposed lettering will be fixed to the building's stone wall to form signage. This application is still being considered by council officers.

The thriving business is run by Italian twin brothers Mattia Piane and Jacopo Delle Piane, who decided to expand on their popular takeaway by opening the Sandgate restaurant last year.