Proposals have been released while the family firm deals with insurance matters.
The aftermath of the fire which ripped through Hayes Garden Land (Image: Submitted/Ayrshire Post /)
The owner of a popular Ayrshire garden centre which burned to the ground in December, has unveiled a bid to try to keep the devastated family business running until it can be rebuilt.
Michael Hayes, proprietor at Hayes Garden Land, in Symington, has lodged a planning application with South Ayrshire Council, as he seeks to keep the business’s future afloat.
Ayrshire Live told in December how an early morning fire ripped through the garden centre, causing devastation to the building and cafe on Monday, December 15.
The fire was so severe that the building had to be demolished.
Now Mr Hayes has submitted a proposal to the local authority for consideration, asking them to approve the siting of a temporary marquee and associated portable bakery.
Mr Hayes also seeks permission to install a servery and toilet facilities within the existing garden centre to allow “continued trading” following the fire damage and demolition of the former building. No change of use is proposed.
Agents in the proposals are Ayr-based Studio20Three Ltd.
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A family-run business that started in the Lake District, Peter Hayes and son Michael developed the site in Symington in 1988.
The December fire caused the business to close for the foreseeable future(Image: Submitted/Ayrshire Post /)
A description of the proposals said: “Temporary planning permission is sought for a period of 36 months to allow the business to continue operating on an interim basis while insurance matters are resolved and proposals for permanent redevelopment of the site are prepared and implemented following the fire.”
A flashback picture to December’s inferno
The supporting statement said: “The proposed marquee is a lightweight, demountable temporary structure positioned within the established garden centre curtilage.
“It will provide covered seating for customers consuming food and beverages purchased from the temporary servery during favourable weather conditions. The structure is ancillary to the interim café operation.
The destruction is revealed after the fire (Image: Submitted/Ayrshire Post /)
“The marquee forms part of the temporary arrangements sought under this application and will be removed upon redevelopment of the permanent garden centre building.”
The Hayes family previously issued a statement on social media, saying: “Thank you everyone for your kind messages, we have been overwhelmed.
“Our aim is to open in Spring selling plants, compost, pots, horticultural sundries etc.
“We also plan to offer some form of catering: bacon rolls, soup, coffee and home baking.”
The proposals can be viewed on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in due course.
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