Plans lodged to demolish Irvine shop to create larger store

An application to carry out the work at 'The Wee Shop' on Smith Avenue was submitted on behalf of owner Hamzah Ahmed.

It is hoped that this will help provide those in the surrounding area with a wider array of products without the need to travel.

The existing kitchen and hot food takeaway counter would also be maintained within the business as part of the proposals.

Documents supporting the application said: "The purpose of demolishing the existing small shop and opening a brand new large convenience shop unit is to provide a larger selection of products to the local residents of this area so that they have this type of facility closer to hand."

It is added that the business would operate from 6am-8pm from Monday to Saturday with adjusted hours of 8am-6pm on Sundays.

A maximum of five people would be working in the premises at any one time - three within the shop area and a further two within the hot food section.

The application was brought to North Ayrshire Council and it is anticipated that a decision will be made on the proposals around mid-May.

The plans come more than one year after the business secured permission to sell alcohol at the premises.

Mr Ahmed was granted an off-sales licence by North Ayrshire Council's licensing board in December 2024.

He was given the green light in a vote which was split 4-3, after some concerns were raised over the proportion of the shop which would be committed for drink sales and that there was ample provision nearby.

At the time, plans for considerable investment to improve facilities were shared with elected members on the board.