The owner of a popular Ayrshire tearoom is planning to expand his offering - and help diners enjoy spectacular views of the coastline.
Plans have been submitted by the owners of Balkenna Tearoom, on Girvan Road, Turnberry, to install a gazebo-style dining area.
If approved, the new dining area would allow them to offer more choice to customers and enhance the outdoor dining experience for those who visit.
Representing the owner, Walter Smith, is Fleming Muir Architects, who said in their design statement: “The owners concluded that it would be beneficial for customers and a useful asset for the business, to provide an external covered gazebo-style dining area.
“This would allow external dining but with some protection from the elements, thus extending the opportunity for those that wanted some fresh air in their refreshment stop.
“This, of course, has become even more important in recent years due to advice in relation to the Covid 19 pandemic and was recommended during an inspection by South Ayrshire Council Environmental Health Department.”
The design statement goes on: “The tearoom benefits from its fantastic location close to the shoreline with open views west over to Ailsa Craig and beyond.
“In better weather many visitors like to sit outside on the grassed area, with picnic style tables.
“From there, visitors can enjoy the seascape views of the Irish Sea over to the Mull of Kintyre and Northern Ireland on a clear day.
“The open views are clearly a valuable asset, but typical of Scotland, the weather opportunities to enjoy these in the open air are more limited.”
The agents are convinced the proposals will provide “improved facilities” for customers and be a “commercial asset” for the business and improve the “aesthetic quality” of the south end of the building.
The statement adds: “The proposals provide a choice for visitors, some of whom are not keen on indoor locations post Covid 19 and others who might want some fresh air as a break while travelling.”
The property always had a commercial use, originally a petrol station, but that closed and converted to a Tearoom around 35 years ago.
The present owner has developed the business over the last 22 years.
It is now a popular refreshment stop for those heading south on the A77 to Galloway and the Stranraer/Cairnryan ferries.
The planning application is on the South Ayrshire Council online planning portal and listed as “pending consideration.”
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