The applicant sought change of use permission at the building so that he could transform it into two semi detached homes including “parking and boundary fences.”

A former Ayrshire watering hole is to be turned into two new homes.

The Fourways pub, in Mossblown’s Annbank Road, will be converted into two semi-detached properties after the proposals were approved.

The applicant, David Picken, sought change of use permission at the building so that he could transform it into two semi detached homes including “parking and boundary fences.”

A supporting statement from the agents, Mccolm Civil and Structural Engineers, said: “The proposal is to convert the existing public house and flat above to form two semi detached dwellings.

“The frontage will remain the same and retaining all the original features. Existing glazing will be upgraded to coincide with current Scottish Building Standards for thermal, acoustic and escape purposes.”

The statement continues: “The public house internally whilst in decent structural conditions, requires a lot of upgrading and modernisation including the kitchen and toilet areas. The public house industry is slowly decreasing due to rising costs and limited footfall. The business as a whole was failing and not viable to continue.

“The premises did not attract any buyers wishing to continue the business.

“These circumstances have proven very difficult to sell with buyers intending to use as a public house and therefore due to housing shortages the sensible action was to convert into houses within a sensible timescale to prevent the building being neglected and falling into a derelict state, which would attract vandals.”

In approving the plan, council papers said: “It is considered that the submission adequately justifies that the property has not operated as a viable business for a considerable period of time.

“The owner has also submitted supporting information which demonstrates that the operation of the premises as an alternative facility has been fully considered, and that the site has been marketed extensively for a significant period.

“Despite these efforts, there has been limited or no interest in the property. This information provides a clear indication that the premises is no longer viable as a public house.

“In terms of the loss of a community facility, it is acknowledged that the retention of such facilities is the preferred option, particularly in small rural communities.

“However, it is also recognised that the proposal results in the reuse of a prominent, vacant building within Mossblown, which has the potential to positively contribute to the local area.

“On balance, it is therefore considered that while the loss of the public house is regrettable, the proposed change of use to convert the public house and associated dwelling flat into residential dwelling houses is acceptable in planning terms, particularly given the lack of viable interest in maintaining the business and the positive reuse of the vacant property.”

The public house closed for the final time in December last year.