PLANS for a new cafe at a busy location in the centre of Girvan have moved a step closer to being approved.

Officials from South Ayrshire Council have approved an application by Margaret Baluta to carry out alterations to the listed building at 1 Dalrymple Street, on the junction with Hamilton Street.

Ms Baluta's proposals also include permission for the installation of canopies and the formation of an external seating area.

However, the proposals have yet to clear the final hurdle - as a decision on a separate application for 'change of use' permission for the premises has yet to be made.

Read More: Take a look inside one of Ayrshire's 'most iconic homes' on the market

Two members of the public have lodged objections to the application to change the use of the premises from a shop to a cafe, with one citing 'over-development', with several food establishments already located in the area near the premises, and public safety, raising concerns about the proximity of the outdoor seating area to the public crossings at the Stumpy Tower and Hamilton Street.

The second objector also raised concern about the impact on the privacy of those living in four apartment properties adjacent to the premises, and about the impact of the increased level of waste resulting from the premises' use as a cafe.

But in a comment in support of her application, Ms Baluta says the propposed development will "enhance the key corner of Dalrymple St, by providing an excellent healthy Mediterranean food deli/cafe, where fresh food is prepared on-site daily"

A report on the listed building application, prepared by an official from SAC, says that the installation of a stainless steel flue to the rear of the building does not raise concerns as it will not be open to wider public views, and that proposed internal work will not result in the loss of any original features.

The same report states: “The revised layout does not alter the understanding of how the building previously functioned and, as such, the proposals are not considered to adversely affect the special interest of the building in this regard.

"There are no objections in principle to the installation of retractable blinds to the Dalrymple Street or Hamilton Street elevations of the building.

"Having balanced the rights of the applicant against the general interest, it is recommended that the application be approved, subject to conditions.”