South Ayrshire Council’s planning department approved designs by LMA Architects for six flats above the former Clinton Cards and Game shops on the High Street.

The practice sought listed building consent on behalf of building owners Union Technical Services Ltd to make “alterations, refurbish and a change the use” on the first and second floor levels to form the new flats.

In its design statement, LMA vowed that the flats, which are all one-bedroom, “will become” part of the affordable housing stock of South Ayrshire Council.

The statement added: “The access to the new flats on the upper floors will be via the existing door at ground floor level off Kirk Port into the existing rear staircase. The external doors will be replaced, and the ground floor entrance area will be upgraded.

“New lobbies will be formed at the first and second floor level which will lead to the front doors of each flat.

“The development will provide short-term economic growth in the area during the refurbishment and reinstatement works. It would be intended to utilise local labour as much as possible for the construction.

“More long term, the proposals will encourage people to live in the area and contribute to the local economy, the flats will become part of the affordable housing stock of South Ayrshire Council.”