PLANS to transform a vacant restaurant premises in Girvan town centre into a flat have been approved.

Javid Akhtar had lodged plans for the unit at 15 Dalrymple Street with South Ayrshire Council's planning department.

The site was previously used by Rose of India and Maly's Cafe, before they moved into the premises next door.

The property has been empty and unoccupied since July 2020, with adverts through letting agents proving unsuccessful.

The building has deteriorated over the years, and its owner now wants to transform it into a flat, as well as bringing the adjacent outbuilding/workshop back to life.

He said: "The Covid pandemic has destroyed high-street businesses which rely on foot traffic, with many people working from home, many businesses remain shut with no prospect of ever reopening.

(Image: Javid Akhtar) "With so many empty and poorly maintained properties, the high street has lost its usual vitality.

"By allowing a change in use to residential, it will noticeably improve the look and feel of the property and the street.

"Any change to the frontage will be made sympathetically to retain an attractive and appropriate frontage from outside while internally forming an attractive residential living space.

"The rear of the property will also improve because the existing store/workshop will be rebuilt, yard cleared and garden shrubs planted.

"Since the property benefits from rear access, it means during the construction phase local businesses will not be affected.

"In general, change will have a positive impact, it will improve vitality and viability of a shopping area, reducing dead frontage, and generally improving the look of the high street by virtue of being occupied."

Council planners agreed, and gave the change of use the green light last month.

Decision documents state: "The external alterations proposed will improve the existing shopfront with replacement windows and a door.

"It is acknowledged that the existing shopfront is not original to the property and is in a state of disrepair.

"The replacement windows and door is considered to enhance the visual appearance of the property and will not adversely impact on the character of the conservation area.

"The outbuilding is in a significant state of disrepair (roofless and extensive damage to the external walls).

"It is considered that the proposals will not have an adverse impact on the character, appearance or setting of Girvan Conservation Area."