TWO retail giants took a step closer to opening in an Ayr industrial estate despite fears the move could further hurt the High Street.

An application from Heathfield Retail Park operator Ediston to allow Home Bargains and Iceland’s Food Warehouse to occupy the former Homebase unit was given the go-ahead at the council’s recent Regulatory Panel.

Discount store Home Bargains sells budget toys, household and beauty and gardening products. The Food Warehouse has a bigger grocery choice than Iceland as well as bulk buys.

Ayr Central operators M&G Real Estate lodged an objection to the plan, saying there is an ‘urgent need’ to protect the town centre.

Representing them, Planner Kathryn Donnelly told the meeting: “We believe the proposals could be incorporated into the town centre.”

She added: “There is an urgent need to protect Ayr town centre.”

Ms Donnelly, of GL Hern, told councillors: “We need to entice national retailers.”

She said Ayr Central supports 400 local jobs. Ediston representative Alex Mitchell said Food Warehouse would take up 14,790 square feet.

Mr Mitchell, of Zander Planning, said: “No units like that are available in the town centre.”

Claiming it could bolster the town in general, he said: “Retail parks can draw people in from surrounding areas.”

A document said the empty Homebase premises were too big for just one shop.

Councillors approved requests to allow the planned unit to be divided into two shops, and permit homeware goods and food to be sold from it.

Councillor Peter Convery said: “There isn’t one of us here who doesn’t want the town centre to be vibrant again.”

Expressing his support for the High Street and Heathfield, panel chair Councillor Brian Connolly said: “We want the mall to be successful.”

But Councillor Andy Campbell said: “This has been an opportunity to attract outlets to the town centre. I think we need to attract more to the town centre.”