PLANS to create additional accommodation at a popular South Ayrshire hotel have been approved.

A planning application was submitted by SimpsInns to make alterations and extensions to a four-bedroom cottage adjacent to its popular Old Loans Inn venue in Loans.

The hotel, bar and restaurant currently has 20 luxury rooms and suites, and the change of use for the cottage on Main Street would provide extra accommodation.

Planning documents stated: "Our aim is to change the use of 35 Main Street (a four bedroom domestic cottage) to an additional accommodation offering for the adjacent property.

"The purpose of the cottage would be to allow us to accommodate families visiting the area as well as golf groups. We do not plan any structural changes to the property.

"The cottage has a gas safety certificate, interconnected fire alarm and C02 alarm, EPC and Legionella risk assessment.

"Until July 2024, the property has been used as a domestic residence. The property is currently sitting vacant."

No objections to the plans were received, and council planners approved the proposals on Friday, October 11.

Decision documents state: "The proposals are intended to provide supplementary accommodation for the adjacent hotel, and will continue to be accessed separately from the hotel accommodation.

"Given the principle of hotel accommodation has already been established as being acceptable in the locale, it is considered that the provision of additional accommodation to be owned, operated and manged by the adjacent hotel is acceptable,

"While there will be a loss of a residential property, the development is not considered to have a significant impact on the availability of residential accommodation in the local area.

"It is also noted that the proposals would be capable of being reversed, if desired."