THE taste of the Middle East could be coming to Saltcoats if new hot food takeaway plans are approved.

An application for the change of use of a property on Adams Avenue to form the new takeaway was submitted to North Ayrshire Council last week.

The plans, submitted on behalf of Mr Salman Ijaz, would see a vacant unit which was most recently a hair and tanning studio transformed to create the new eatery.

The proposals would see a "a hot food shawarma takeaway offering healthy Middle Eastern cooking, wraps and sandwiches" created - and would bring two full-time jobs and one part-time job to the area.

The premises, which is within walking distance of St Matthew's Academy, would open seven days a week, from 11am until 6pm.

Supporting documents have also been included in the application - looking to further highlight why the plans should be approved.

They discuss how there are seven commercial units in the area of Adams Avenue they plan to open however, three of these lie empty.

The documents state that the applicant is looking to "rectify this long-term vacancy issue".

They add: "It is much better to have premises which are open, trading and adding to the diverse offering to the public rather than boarded up premises with ‘To Let’ signs which create the impression of economic decline and mitigate against the ‘sense of a successful place'."

While the documents also look to address any concerns that may arise from those neighbouring the premises, which would be located next to another takeaway in 'The Fryer', a fish and chip shop.

One of the most common concerns, they say, is the odours which would be released from the takeaway.

However, they say this will be limited by installing a "high quality commercial recirculation unit" which are typically used in malls and airport settings.

They also add that there will be "very little waste" from the takeaway and that no food waste will be stored out with the premises.

The application was brought to North Ayrshire Council on Thursday, May 25 and is currently pending consideration.

Plans can be viewed in full via the council'somnline planning portal, searching for reference 23/00356/PP.