A former Ayr hotel is to be demolished and turned into 14 flats if plans get the go-ahead. 

The new apartments would take the place of the Elms Court Hotel on Miller Road.

The 19th century building was ravaged by fire two years ago. 

Gray Homes has applied for planning permission to knock it down and erect the new properties. 

The historic hotel has been classified as ‘at risk’ on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland.

Proposals show two bedroom flats would be on offer along with private and communal gardens.

A communal room has also been shown on designs – giving residents the chance to meet in a shared space. 

Offices are featured in the apartment layout – suiting people working from home. 

A design statement submitted to South Ayrshire Council said: “Gray Homes Limited propose a development to replace the former Elms Court Hotel, which has fallen into a state of disrepair and is fire damaged. 

“It is their intention to provide a development that reflects the traditional qualities of surrounding buildings in a conservation area and also supports modern living needs.”

The building has been empty since 2012. Before becoming a hotel – there were two villas on the site dating back to the 1800s according to documents lodged with the council.

The developer believes razing the site and rebuilding is the most economically feasible option. 

A supporting statement said the “demolition” and “careful, sensitive construction of new residential apartments” offers a “financial viability, which the other options cannot achieve.”

South Ayrshire Council has not made a decision on the planning application yet.