Plans submitted to transform Newmilns library into flats

Following discussions with East Ayrshire Council, an application has been made to convert the vacant building on Craigview Road into two self-contained flats.

This follows a previous failed attempt to change the site's use to a house in multiple occupation (HMO), which was withdrawn after criticisms from both the community and statutory bodies.

Led by applicant Ms Avis Denim, in partnership with OCCAM Architecture Ltd, the new proposal was adjusted to meet local demographic needs better.

By converting the site into two separate three-bedroom flats, the developers aim to encourage longer-term residency.

No construction work has commenced at the premises yet.

Located within the town centre, the application also justifies zero onsite parking provision.

This result in a reduced traffic load, accounting for the building's central location, accessible public transport, and local amenities.

The conversion proposal has reportedly received positive feedback from key stakeholders, including Newmilns Regeneration Association and Newmilns Community Council, who acknowledged the demand for quality family accommodation.

The building, covering the entire plot, offers no private garden space.

However, each of the three-bedroom flats is said to have a generous internal layout with proximity to public open spaces helping to mitigate this shortfall.

The site, lying within a known flood risk zone, did not have a Flood Risk Assessment submitted with the form.

Residents will have bins stored in the building's basement.

No new or altered water supply or drainage is proposed; no connection to the public water supply is required.

To view the application online, go to East Ayrshire Council's planning portal under the reference 26/0110/PP.