PLANS to create a new staff support building at NATS in Prestwick have been given the green light.

NATS is the largest air traffic control provider in the UK, providing air traffic control (ATC) at 15 airports and managing all UK upper airspace from their two ATC centres, one in Prestwick and the other at Swanwick in Hampshire.

A proposal was lodged back in July with South Ayrshire Council for a new staff support building at its existing ATC centre on Fresson Avenue.

NATS have been located at Prestwick Airport since the 1970s, when they moved into Atlantic House.

The Prestwick Centre was then constructed in 2009 and NATS now delivers key ATC services from this building.

Planning documents state that Atlantic House is now underused, and is set to be demolished. NATS plans to create a new building in its place for staff.

The ground floor would include an entrance foyer, unisex changing rooms, toilets, a plant and drying room and storage.

The first floor would have a medical centre and staff gym, with 12 bedrooms on the second floor.

Council planners approved the application, saying that the new building would not impact the surrounding area. 

Decision documents state: "Given the industrial setting of the site, it is noted that the site is bound by adjacent commercial and industrial developments, which is reflective of the site being located in an urban area, and moreover, a recognised industrial area.

"Given the urban character of the area, it is considered that the development will have little or no impact on the landscape as a consequence of lack of visibility from the surrounding area.

"The siting, design and appearance of the proposal is considered to be acceptable. Views of the proposal will primarily be from within the existing industrial area, or viewed against the backdrop of the existing industrial buildings.

"Therefore, given the location of the site within an industrial estate, it is not considered that the proposal will adversely impact on adjacent land, buildings or wider locality."

Council planners have confirmed that prior to the commencement of development, a glint and glare assessment in relation to the roof mounted solar panels and how they might affect runway 02 at Prestwick Airport should be submitted.