PLANS for a new pizza cafe in Irvine have been approved by council bosses.

Last week, planning permission was granted permission to open a new premises in former MSP Margaret McDougall’s old office in Eglinton Street.

But the new Irvine shop won’t be welcoming any late-night revellers after council chiefs imposed an 8pm closing time.

Dough Pizza, who have stores in Saltcoats and Troon, have expressed an interest in taking over the unit but there are no immediate plans to move in.

The plans initially divided opinion with the Eglinton Street store just a stone’s throw from nearby pizza giants Domino’s and Pizza Hut.

Irvine Community Council publicly voiced their objection to the plans citing over-provision and potential parking issues but did not lodge any formal objection.

One Irvine resident did, however, object officially to the plans, stating: “I object to this application on the grounds of over provision and the detrimental effect on adjacent catering business.”

But last week, North Ayrshire Council planning chiefs opted to give the proposals the green light.

The plans, first submitted by Bennett Developments and Consultants who say the new takeaway would benefit the area. 

According to planning documents, the premises would focus solely on selling pizza but would offer cafe-style seating as well as a takeaway service.

The planning statement reads: “The premises, which have been vacant for a number of months, occupy a central location on the street and the possibility of them remaining empty would have had a potentially detrimental impact on the area.

“The proposed use will introduce a concept, now becoming more common in larger towns, namely a pizza cafe where the menu is restricted to pizza albeit with an astounding arrange of toppings and the opportunity to enjoy these straight from the ovens to the tables in the intimate surroundings of a cafe style environment.

“This small cafe will make a positive contribution to the local area and hopefully will be supported.”

Two conditions were imposed by NAC subject to the plan being approved.

The maximum hours of operation must be between 10am and 8pm and the company must supply a comprehensive ventilation plan to the council.