AN AWARD-WINNING North Ayrshire hospitality group's plan to transform a top West Kilbride hotel have been given the green light.

The plans to create a sea view spa and gym at the Waterside Hotel, owned by SimpsInns, have been approved by council officials.

The main alterations to the hotel, on the A78 south of Seamill, will be made to the Si Shack located on the site.

The building was previously used as a takeaway, and more recently for storage.

This part of the hotel will also be extended to include four spa treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, a 'rasul room' - a traditional Arabian cleansing ritual using mud, steam and heat - and a laundry room.

Planning officers from North Ayrshire Council (NAC) say the development will give the tourism industry in the area a boost.

In a report on the plans, the NAC planning official who dealt with the application said: "It is clear that the investment in creating new spa facilities at The Waterside would be beneficial to North Ayrshire's tourism offering.

"Previous consents granted for alterations and extensions to the Waterside Hotel in recent years have accepted the principle of such a development on the grounds that the site is long established for tourism purposes.

"The proposed extensions and alterations would be located entirely within the existing hotel grounds and would not impact upon the surrounding countryside setting.

"The proposal would enhance the range of facilities offered at The Waterside Inn thereby diversifying the tourism sector of Seamill/West Kilbride."

The plans were approved with no conditions.

SimpsInns owns several venues across Ayrshire, including the Gailes Hotel and Spa in Irvine, Si!, also in Irvine, and the Old Loans Inn in Troon.

For more information on The Waterside Hotel, go to watersideayrshire.com