New nightclub for Stewarton

Feb 5 2010 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

STEWARTON is to become a clubber’s paradise with a second nightspot set to be created in the town.

The town’s decaying granary building is to be converted into a nightclub with restaurant, bar and chill-out area.

The C-listed building at 8 Vennel Street, dating back to 1870, has lain derelict for years and has become an eyesore.

Peter Brown, of Stewarton-based PB Properties Limited, owns the building.

At a hearing of East Ayrshire Council’s northern planning committee meeting on Friday, Mr Brown was granted permission to convert the building into a three-storey property, with restaurant and bar on the ground level, ‘discotheque’ on the first floor and a ’chill-out area’ at the top.

But 216 residents and Stewarton Community Council were unhappy with the decision, having objected to the nightclub plans on the grounds of noise, anti-social behaviour, public health and road safety.

Donald Fulton, chairman of the town’s community council, told the hearing: “We do want to see this building used but not for this purpose.

“It will be detrimental to the area with the noise and its proximity to a sheltered housing complex and residents.

“There will be an increased risk of accidents with the nightclub set on a busy corner with traffic lights.”

He added: “The 20 parking spaces in the car park will not be adequate for the number of people using the building.”

It was estimated the club could cater for up to 275, not including staff.

Resident William Rowan told the hearing: “We do not accept why we should have to put up with noise and disturbance throughout the night and early hours of the morning.”

Resident Stewart Campbell said: “It is realistic to expect trouble makers out of 250 people.”

He said the clubbers would pour out at the end of the night and Stewarton would become a “battleground” with the town’s over-stretched police force having to control “rammies”.

Mr Campbell added: “There is a lack of toilets in the town so the streets and doors will be used as public urinals.

“Is the council going to clean it?”

Mr Brown’s agent Iain McGregor pointed out to the meeting that there were 222 letters of support received for the plans for the town centre venue.

Mr McGregor said: “Stewarton is a growing town. This venue will cater for a wide variety of age groups.

“The bar and restaurant will be a more upmarket facility than is currently available in Stewarton.

“The place will be very well policed with our own safety and security team.

“We will manage the crowd as best as we can to limit the noise.”

Mr McGregor said the nightclub would probably be attracting about 150 people a night and would be open on a Friday and Saturday.

Members of the council’s planning committee voted eight to seven in favour of granting full planning permission.

The town currently has a nightclub called The Avenue, above the Stewarton Arms in Avenue Square.