AN IRVINE garage and MOT centre’s extension plans have been refused because of parking and safety fears.

Jamieson Motor Services hoped to construct a single storey extension at the firm’s base on East Road.

However the application was refused by planners last week after concerns on blind spots.

One objector said: “As you know east road is a very narrow road with a very big volume of traffic. Jamison Motor Services sits on a blind corner which in my opinion is very dangerous”, adding “it is a residential area “not an industrial estate”.

A response from roads stated: “There is not sufficient parking within the garage curtilage at present and the addition of the proposed extension is adding to the operational aspect of the garage.

“There is evidence that customers of the garage and vehicles belonging to the garage are parking on the public road indicating insufficient parking. Sightlines are poor in both directions on exiting the garage parking area. Active Travel and Transport recommend refusal of this application.”

NAC’s head of service for economic development and regeneration Caitriona McAuley, said in the refusal: “It is not considered that the proposed development would create an attractive place nor respect the amenity of existing and future users in terms of noise, vibrations, traffic generation and parking.

“It is considered that further expansion of the business in the manner proposed would harm the predominately residential character of this part of East Road through additional traffic generation and/or displaced parked vehicles onto the surrounding residential streets, all to the detriment of the amenity of local residents.”