PLANS to create a hot food takeaway in Beith have been approved, despite local objection.

The application submitted to North Ayrshire Council back in August of this year will see the vacant former Bank of Scotland bulding in Eglinton Street transformed to create the new business.

The plan, submitted on behalf of land owner Mohammad Jawad, was the ninth application submitted to the planning authority for the building since the bank's closure, and only the second to be approved.

The only prior approval granted for the building was to convert the basement and ground floor levels to form two flats. This was back in August 2021.

Of the other eight applications submitted, seven of these have been regarding the creation of a hot food takeaway - with four being refused, two being withdrawn. The other regards listed building consent, which is pending consideration and relates to the recently approved plans.

Despite North Ayrshire Council's approval of the latest planned development, a number of conditions must be met prior to the conversion of the building, and business becoming operational.

This includes: submitting plans for the takeaway's extraction system (to include details of odour control and noise/vibration reduction measures); ensuring the rated noise level in the area does not exceed the background noise level by 5dB; and that operating hours are only between 12pm and 9pm inclusive.

The Herald reported at the beginning of the month that the Beith and District Community Council were seeking public opinion for the takeaway plans.

Though this led to some complaints and comments from the public, approval was still granted.

One of the complaints stated: "At present in Beith there are the following types of takeaway: Beith Palace (42 Eglinton Street), Mr Chef (34 Eglinton Street), Nonna's Chippy (14 Eglinton Street), Rajas Tandoori and Chippy (22-24 Main Street), Riverhills Chinese Takeaway (47 Main Street), The Tawny Fish and Chips (21 Reform Street) and Irvines (18-22 Eglinton Street).

"Surely this is a fair number of takeaway establishments for the size of Beith, there will be four establishments in the space of 100 metres in Elginton Street.

"If this goes ahead, it will be a continuous row of fast food establishments in Eglinton Street, something that is not aesthetically pleasing in a conservation area."

The complaint went on to argue that their property may be in danger should there be a "fracas" and that smells from the takeawy may also affect their property.

A second complaint mirrored the concerns of the number of takeaways already in the town.

They also added: "Another aspect to be covered is the double parking that occurs at the moment when deliveiries are taking place to these businesses.

"At the moment, all the businesses are located near to the two bus stops and the congestion can be bad at times.

"This will be made worse as no. 32 (the former bank) is directly next to the bus stop for Glasgow/Paisley."

While another comment, not complaint, stated: "If this is another chinese then no. If for example it is an Indian or kebab shop then that should be fine. The town already has 3 Chinese takeaways."

The decision for the application was issued today, October 27, though there is no clear indication of when work may commence.