A businessman who conceded defeat in his bid to revive the fortunes of an historic hotel and watering hole has won the right to turn it into a family home.
Kenneth Lorimer, who owns the former King’s Arms Hotel in Barr, previously said it was no longer financially sustainable to operate the venture in the picturesque village.
Mr Lorimer submitted an application to South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission to change the use of the former hotel and pub and to make alterations.
He hoped to win permission to change the use so that it could be used solely as a residential property. Part of the proposals involved the demolition of some “unsafe” outbuildings at the rear of the property.
In a supporting statement, Mr Lorimer revealed how he even sacrificed the family home during his bid for the doomed business venture.
However, he also told how “unsustainable financial difficulties” facing “a small rural pub with a falling client base” put the death knell on his plans.
He said: “We have owned the pub since 2011 and were tenants the year leading up to the purchase.
“Previously, the pub had ceased trading two years prior, due to falling sales and rising costs which lead to the then owners getting into financial difficulties trying to keep their business afloat and finally closing the doors in 2008.
“The Pub/Hotel has seen four owners and four tenants between 1999-2008, averaging a change every year, which is a good indicator as to how ‘profitable’ it’s been for the individuals undertaking the management of the premises.
“In the process of trying to keep the pub open we have had to sacrifice the family home and move into the pub owner’s flat, where we are currently resident and have been so since having to sell our house.
“Without the change of use being granted we will still have no choice but to reside within the building, only we will not have the security and legal rights afforded within a private dwelling house.
“Justification for this is based on the unsustainable financial difficulties facing a small rural pub with a falling client base.”
Mr Lorimer also revealed how several attempts to sell the property, followed by a community buy-out, also fell by the wayside. The hotel/pub business closed in 2017.
Mr Lorimer also stressed in his application that he wasn't a developer “out to turn a quick profit” and that his application was “genuine and warranted.”
He added: “We have previously made this application and were turned down on the grounds of we were the only public house in the village - despite both pubs in nearby Crosshill being granted a change of use at the same time as our application was made.”
This week, though, South Ayrshire Council granted him permission to change the use of the building and carry out the work.
In granting permission the local authority said the proposals caused “no significant adverse impact” on the amenity of neighbouring land and buildings.
The King’s Arms is right at the heart of the village, overlooking the Water of Gregg, which flows into the River Stinchar.
Barr’s other legendary inn, the Jolly Shepherd, closed in the 1990s and was converted to flats.
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