AN IRVINE hotel looks set for a major facelift after approval in principle by planning bosses.

The Menzies Hotel has been granted planning permission in principle to build a residential development along with refurbishing its facilities.

The plans were revealed in detail at the most recent meeting of North Ayrshire Council’s Planning Committee last Wednesday (August 26).

Owned by Topland Hotels Ltd, the Annick Road hotel agreed to the imposition of a condition ensuring that the funds raised by the sale of the land are used for making improvements to the hotel.

The committee heard of the company’s intention to remove the ‘Hawaiian lagoon’ area next to its swimming pool which has been closed for many years.

After its demolition, the area would be landscaped to bring natural light to the 16 bedrooms overlooking the lagoon area.

These bedrooms would also be refurbished.

A review of the hotel’s portfolio found a need to improve the hotel and introduce better facilities for the guests it currently attracts.

The Menzies hopes to maximise the use of visiting sporting groups.

It was revealed that the company’s future strategy is to dispose of the land to the east of the hotel for housing development.

Funds raised through this project would then be invested in both the hotel, which employs 90 people, and the remaining grounds to the west.

But the proposals were not without an objection from a neighbour.

They raised issues about increased traffic on Annick Road and the reduction of accessible green space should a housing development be introduced.

But council bosses rubbished any suggestion of additional traffic and said there was enough publicly accessible green space south to the A71 at Milgarholm Avenue and Tarryholme.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) initially objected to the proposal but eventually withdrew their objection after a condition was imposed to prevent a flood risk to the area.

No objections were raised in principle by the West of Scotland Archaeological Society but revealed the application area is of archaeological potential.

It is possible that significant remains may survive in the application boundary area but may be damaged or destroyed by ground-breaking.

A report submitted to the committee by Karen Yeomans, Executive Director of Economy and Communities, stated: “Whilst the proposal would result in some loss of private recreational open space in the locality, the loss is not significant given its restricted access to members of the public and in the context of adequate provision of golfing facilities in the Irvine area as a whole.

“The proposal would also offer the opportunity to enhance the amenity and quality of the remaining open space which may help to improve the attractiveness of the hotel. The loss of open space at this location would be outweighed by the proposed improvements to the hotel and the delivery of a housing site close to Irvine town centre.” The committee agreed to approve the proposals in principle with certain conditions.

They include allowing archaeological investigation, a SEPA flood risk assessment, introducing noise mitigation measures and carrying out improvement works to the council’s satisfaction before any housing development is undertaken.