A FORMER bookies in Stevenston could be set to be turned into a restaurant and takeaway.

An application to turn the former William Hill on New Street into a restaurant was received by planning chiefs this month.

Plans state: “The proposed development will see the existing vacant bookmakers transformed into a class 3 restaurant with an ancillary takeaway.

“When in use as a bookmakers almost the entire floor area was defined as the customer area with the counter set towards the rear on the left hand side, beyond which was staff facilities.

“The proposed new restaurant will continue to be accessed via the existing door directly from New Street . Immediately on the left upon entering will be the small takeaway waiting area and the counter/bar. Beyond the counter/bar will be the kitchen beyond which will be storage and gents/ladies cloakroom facilities. There will also be an accessible toilet.

“Refuse will be stored within a designated facility and placed outside at the appropriate time for uplift by the appointed contractor.

“It is anticipated that the opening hours will be Sunday to Thursday 10am-11pm and Friday and Saturday 10am-12midnight.

“Externally the only change will be the addition of an extraction flue which will penetrate through the rearward pitch of the roof and thus will not be visible from any public area.

“The change of use of this vacant bookmakers will introduce a new eating experience to the town and will help to animate this stretch of street, particularly in the evenings and winter months when the splay of light from the premises will help to enliven the street and along with the extra pedestrian activity, deliver a sense of safety, security and well being.

“This new restaurant will contribute to the sense of place, in providing a place to wine and dine, to meet and to foster community spirit.”