A councillor has called for an end to delays in the development of the former Hourstons building in Ayr.

South Ayrshire Council’s cabinet agreed to go ahead with plans to retain one of the 1960s extensions along with the original listed building to accommodate South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

Demolition of the Arran Mall and the other extension is likely to go ahead at a cost of £2m.

However, the process has been slowed down by legalities surrounding the purchase of the sites.

The council will also have to carry out a survey of building to work out how exactly any demolition would be carried out.

But Councillor Alec Clark pressed for a way to make the process faster, warning that he didn’t want to see the council get into a position where the properties can be demolished but have to wait while surveys are carried out.

He said: “I understand we are waiting on some of the legal processes being finished.

"While we are doing that, would it be possible, so we don’t wait until all legalities are done and dusted and then start to apply for things, could the demolition order be applied for in the meantime?

“So we are up and running when process is through and we can start.”

Assistant Director-Planning and Development Chris Cox replied: “I appreciate the wish to progress as quickly as possible.

“However, we need to understand the methodology for demolition first.

"That is one of the studies we will be commissioning, to see exactly what building we bring down and how to shore up the buildings that remain.

“From there we will, without delay, apply for demolition order.”

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Cllr Clark  then asked: “Would none of that have been carried out as a feasibility study? Would that info not be to hand?”

Ms Cox replied: “I understand there was a study undertaken in 2017. However, the condition of the buildings have deteriorated since then.”

She added that they only now have the requirements from the HSCP, defining the amount of floorspace they need.

“We are only at the point now of being able to recommission the study and have it updated on basis of the development option we are proceeding with.”

Cllr Clark said: “The last thing we want to do is get to a point where we say ‘right we are ready to go’ and then take 'x' amount of months to do so.

“We have had enough hold backs and the time rolls on. I don’t know if we are allowed any access to this site.

"I understand there is a legal process to go through. I hope we don’t get to starting point and then say, lets wait another six months.”

Chief legal officer Catriona Caves said that the delays had largely been in the hands of those the council was purchasing the Arran Mall site from.

She added that this was due to be sorted and that, once in full ownership, there would be no further legal delays.

Council Leader Martin Dowey said: “We know everybody’s keen to get on with demolition.

“We have started soft stripping the Hourstons building, which is a step forward.

“There are two parts to this. We have the back of the Hourstons building to see what bit we are keeping or not keeping and we have the Arran Mall site that will be demolished.

“We need to make sure we get that demolish as soon as possible. There is a six month timescale before the council start paying rates, which we don’t want.

“It is encouraging that we are actually getting there now after years and years.”