PLANS to transform a former youth cafe on the Largs seafront have been given a major boost after the premises secured a licence to sell alcohol.

The ground floor premises on Gallowgate formerly occupied by Helter Skelter have been earmarked for conversion to a restaurant after lying empty for several years.

North Ayrshire's licensing board considered two applications for the property at a meeting this week - one for a provisional licence, the other for customers to be allowed to consume alcohol outside.

Application papers described plans for a restaurant capable of seating 50 people, and a bar to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, as well as an outdoor pavement drinking area with two tables.

A representative of the business said the owner, Gordon Craig, had four other restaurants in the area, including Tinto Tapas in Boyd Street, and there had been no issues at any of them.

He also said a barrier would separate the external area from the rest of the pavement and that the area would be suitable for wheelchair access.

Permission was also sought for the business to serve teas, coffees and breakfasts from 9am - but no alcohol until later in the day.

 

Councillor Donald L. Reid (Independent, Garnock Valley) asked if there had been consultation with neighbours, and was told there had been none, as there was a derelict building on one side and that above the restaurant there would be flats, owned by the business.

Both licence applications were granted.