Councillors have given the go-ahead for a new mystery superstore in Ayr.

But politicians who approved the planning application don’t know the name of the firm, which is set to move into the Heathfield Retail Park.

The unnamed company, which will take over three empty shop units, will sell homeware, bulky goods and food from floorspace formerly occupied by Poundland, Harveys and Carpetright.

It is understood the retailer will be new to the town.

Councillors did not ask who the actual tenant would be when they granted the application to change trading conditions at a recent South Ayrshire Council planning committee.

Heathfield park operator Ediston was given the green light to amalgamate the units and alter conditions for sale of goods.

When asked about the name of the new store, Brian Connolly, chairman of the planning committee, replied: “We are not given that information in a planning application on behalf of the retail park.

“Members have no idea who the tenant will be.”

The Independent politician said the identity is “not a material planning consideration.”

Ediston has not revealed any information on the new business and the planning committee took place in private online earlier this month – excluding the media and the public.

A planning statement lodged on behalf of Ediston said: “A new tenant has been secured who requires a larger unit to meet their operation requirements. The new tenant is more orientated to bulky goods retailing but do sell other goods that would fall within the homewares category”.

The move will see all empty spaces at the busy retail park filled.

Conservative ward Councillor Hugh Hunter, who doesn’t sit on the planning committee, said: “The public have a right to know who would like to service their community.

“Applications should be transparent and it is surprising that the occupier was not made public.”