Irvine’s Taco Bell is set to share its building with an estate agent.

An application to change the use of the empty unit at Taco Bell in the Riverway Retail Park to financial, professional or other services, was approved by North Ayrshire planning chiefs.

This is following interest from an estate agent to occupy the long vacant premises.

The new owners of the former Blockbuster site were previously given the go-ahead for the sub-division of the vacant unit into two – one for Taco Bell and the other to be used for retail.

However no interest had been shown from any retailers for the vacant unit after the opening of Mexican-inspired US fast food chain.

Planning documents state: “In response to market interest, our client now seeks a change of use of Unit 9b to allow the operation of financial, professional or other services following interest from an estate agent.

“The proposals will also result in a number of other benefits, the reuse of a long term vacant unit, investment into the retail park, improving its appearance and vitality and the creation of new jobs through the occupation of the unit.”