The Salt Cot Wetherspoons pub in Saltcoats granted outdoor drinking area by North Ayrshire licensing board

A long-established Saltcoats pub has been given the green light for an outdoor drinking area.

The Salt Cot, part of the Wetherspoons chain, applied to North Ayrshire Licensing Board for a variation of premises licence at the back of the premises.

Lawyer Archie McIver told the Board meeting on Monday: “For 20 years this has been a popular, well-respected premise and what is sought here is an addition to the external area to the rear of the premises to create a door entry to that area.

“The proposal does not plan for an increase in capacity, there have been a number of objections from the market in the car park on Saturdays.

“With respect you are here to decide on licensing-related matter.

“Wetherspoons some time ago got planning consent for this and entered into a 20-year lease with the owners of the car park for for this particular part of the car park which reflects this area is no longer within the car park area.

“We want to move forward with this project and create a decking set up to the rear of the premises covered by CCTV.

“From the general public there were no objections to this. The objectors are centred on the impact it might have on the marker but with respect, the appropriate area is within Wetherspoons ownership, You are here to decide licensing to do with alcohol

“There are no legal grounds highlighted in the objections which justify refusing the application and I commend it.”

Objector Andrew McCurdie from the Saturday market asked if he would need security measures for traders.

But Licensing chair Eleanor Collier said the pub area was fenced and secure and there would be no interaction with market traders.

The objector said the markert as successfully as possible, without businesses being disrupted.

Mr McIvor said as little disruption as possible would be caused and the variation licence was agreed.