An Ayr-based company says it is one step closer to delivering a new Costa Coffee store and drive-through facility in Ayrshire.

The Wood Property Group, based at Alloway Place in the town, say their proposals have officially been lodged with council planning bosses.

Also included in the firm's proposals are offices, electric vehicle charging bays, and digital media facilities.

If approved, the company says, the development could be completed by this time next year.

The company says its plans, for a vacant site near Kilmarnock Rugby Club, have been 18 months in the making and that a formal planning application has now been submitted to East Ayrshire Council.

A company spokesperson said: "We're delighted to announce we have secured and completed missives with Costa Coffee for our £1.5m retail development in Kilmarnock with planning being lodged today with East Ayrshire Council

"This project has been 18 months in the making, with a variety of challenges, but persistence has paid off along, with the help and support of our key advisers.

"Special thanks to Susan Agnew, acquisition director, for Costa for her patience and support over the last year."

The firm also thanked commercial solicitor Russell Spinks from Kerr Stirling, Claire Mills at Brodies LLP, architect Andrew Munnoch, planning consultant Euan Pearson, and Gregory Gardiner from DWF LLP, representing Costa Coffee.

They added: "As always great work on the legals from our commercial solicitor Russell Spinks from Kerr Stirling with additional legal support from Claire Mills at Brodies LLP.

All architectural work from Andrew Munnoch and our long term planning consultant Euan Pearson leading the planning process.

"With thanks and great work from Gregory Gardiner from Dwf LLP who represented Costa Coffee.

"Subject to planning approval we will deliver the first drive thru coffee facility in Kilmarnock late 2024 along with class 4 offices, EV charging bays and digital media."

The plans have yet to be published on EAC's website.