Plans to transform an unused concrete water tank into a new eco-friendly modern home, complete with a ‘living’ roof, have been lodged with South Ayrshire planners.

The property, near the Catcraig Plantation between Dundonald and Symington, is a long, mainly one-storey building built from reinforced concrete.

It also has a smaller second storey made of brickwork.

Applicant David Young has submitted proposals that would see the exterior remain largely as it is now, exposed concrete. However, the interior  requires significant works.

The application states that the installation of a sedum roof, which is made up of living plants, would ‘further blend the building into its setting’.

The proposal suggests that the building would also utilise various renewable energy sources, including solar panels with battery storage and a ground source heat pump.

A condition report submitted by Mr Young adds that, while the building is in a reasonable good condition, the impact of water storage on the structure would require an ‘invasive’ survey.

In a planning statement, architects LMA, said: “The conclusion of the report is that the building is, considering its age, structurally sound, in reasonable condition and capable of conversion.

“The report recommends that further intrusive investigations be carried out to determine the extent of repair work that will be required.

“The proposals do not seek to significantly change the appearance of the building, however the external fabric will have to have some concrete repairs.”

The proposal would see openings for new windows and ‘bi-folding’ doors in the exterior, with two lantern rooflights installed to light the central parts of the building.

The only change to the surrounding land would be for the creation of an access point for a garage proposed to be built on a lower level.

It isn’t the first time that a planning application has been made to turn the water tank into housing.

An application was made back in December 1994. While it was initially unsuccessful, approval was granted on appeal in 1996.

However, despite getting permission, the plan was not taken forward and the building has remained empty since then.

The architect’s report says that information demonstrates the applicant’s intention to ‘sensitively rehabilitate and convert the water tank, respecting the existing setting, and causing minimum impact on the existing landscape’.