Delight as expansion at Dundonald Castle is given the green light
The charity organisation which helps manage Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre say they are 'thrilled' they've been granted planning permission to expand their offering.
A planning application on behalf of the group was previously lodged with South Ayrshire Council, seeking permission to make alterations and build an extension to the existing visitor centre in Winehouse Yett.
They wanted permission in place so that they could expand the visitor centre and form a new exhibition room, create new office space and have additional space for storage.
Now the plans have been approved under delegated powers.
In a statement on social media the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO said said: 'We're thrilled to share that planning permission has officially been granted for the extension of our Visitor Centre!
'This is a major milestone for our charity and for everyone who loves Dundonald Castle.
'The planned extension will help us create more space for community activities, events, education and enhance our visitor experience as we are currently bursting at the seams!'
The statement continues: 'We couldn't have reached this point without the ongoing support of our amazing team, community, visitors and partners— thank you for standing with us and keeping us busy!
'The next step on this journey is to secure funding to bring this vision to life. We're more committed than ever to making Dundonald Castle a place for everyone to enjoy, learn, and connect.'
The new extension will occupy a footprint of approximately 132 sqm.
In approving the plans, subject to conditions, council papers said: 'The proposed development will not have an adverse impact on the setting of Dundonald Castle, due to the separation distance between the extension and the Castle, and the ancillary nature of the proposals.
'The development is designed to preserve and enhance the character of the Visitor Centre and the surrounding conservation area, ensuring that the setting of Dundonald Castle remains preserved.'
Dundonald Castle includes the remains of a large oblong tower built for King Robert II around 1370, with a later wing added to the south.
The castle structure includes three principal storeys, with halls on the first and second floors. The external west wall of the tower bears the royal arms and those of the Stewarts.
The site also contains evidence of earlier settlements, including an Iron Age fort, a 12th-century earth and timber castle, and a 13th-century masonry castle, elements of which were incorporated into the 14th-century tower.
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