Top brass at the Ayrshire Hospice have today registered their opposition against plans by Lidl to pitch up in Troon.
As exclusively revealed on Ayrshire Live last week, the German retailer wants to take on the former Safeway store in Academy Street and open a brand new supermarket.
They’ve already submitted a planning application to South Ayrshire Council, which is pending consideration.
However, the chief executive officer of the Ayrshire Hospice, Carla MacEwan, has today voiced strong opposition to the proposals.
The Ayrshire Hospice has a charity shop which overlooks the Academy Street car park, which would be impacted if the plans are green-lighted.
Ms MacEwan also revealed how there’s been no consultation with her organisation about the Lidl plans and that they fully intend to extend their lease in Academy Street beyond 2024.
As a result this will prove to be a major stumbling block with regards to Lidl’s grand plans for the site.
Lidl are requesting permission for “external alterations” and to erect a “trolley bay” for customers.
In addition, they are asking for permission to install a new electricity substation and introduce “associated amendments” to the current car park layout.
There are currently a rows of shops which face on to the Academy Street car park- including the Ayrshire Hospice shop and Savers.
One snag would appear to be with parking availability and access to nearby residents’ garages, or gardens.
Currently, the Academy Street car park can accommodate 207 vehicles, yet Lidl are only proposing 144 within their application.
And the issue over car parking has already irked some residents nearby, according to council papers.
Now it seems that a reckoning could be on the horizon between one of Ayrshire’s best loved charity organisations- and a major supermarket giant.
Ms MacEwan is not opposed to the principal idea of a supermarket in Troon — just the location of it.
She said in her response to the plans: “As the CEO of the Ayrshire Hospice, I would like to draw the (Planning) committee’s attention to the fact that we have operated our retail store from the site for a significant number of years and had already clearly indicated our intent to renew our lease at market value in 2024.
“During 2021, this store received a £40,000 makeover and is currently our highest income generating store.
“All profit is directly contributing to the care and support of patients and families with life limiting illness across Ayrshire and Arran.
“About 15 per cent of our patients on an annual basis come from the locale.
“We have had no consultation from the landlord in regard to the proposal and given we have a legal lease in place until December 2024, would see there to be significant legal impediment to the proposed takeover.”
Defiant Ms MacEwan also warned that any attempt to persuade the charity to relocate would be ‘unacceptable.’
She explained: “There is no alternative location in Troon that will see the continued support and income we receive from this location with the ease of parking for both donations and shopping.
“We have regular customers as well as the increased summer trade.
“For the Ayrshire Hospice to have to consider relocation from a site that has and continues to offer significant income to the charity is not acceptable.
“This will have a direct impact on the depth and breadth of care we can provide were the application to be supported.”
Ms MacEwan also claimed that the charity would suffer crippling losses of more than £50,000 per annum if they were forced to ‘roll over’ for Lidl.
She added: “We face losses of over £50k per annum, equivalent to two days of care in the Hospice, or a week of community nursing visits.
“We would ask the committee to consider the impact on the Ayrshire Hospice as an existing tenant and on the wider community in reduction in parking etc.”
Lidl does have some support on their side.
Mrs Anne Cameron, from Hawthorn Place, Troon, said in her letter of support to South Ayrshire Council: “So pleased to see this application which I hope will be successful.
“I hope Savers and the two charity shops will move to empty premises in the town, for a great new asset to the town.
“I hope any parking issues can easily be resolved and that the existing car park will be repaired to remove the numerous pot-holes and re lined.”
She added: “Another supermarket has been needed in Troon for years and I hope this application will be successful.”
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