The buildings at Lairhillock Inn in Netherley will be demolished to make way for the homes.

Although the building had traded as a bar/restaurant for 14 years, it ceased operating just as the Covid pandemic struck last year.

Planners advised that marketing of the business had been unsuccessful and that it was unviable to retain the existing building as part of any development. They said the former coaching house was of little historical value and that they were satisfied this was an appropriate use of the site.

Although there was some debate among councillors over the historic nature of the building, calls for a site visit to assess the building’s heritage and architectural value were outvoted 9-3 in favour of granting permission.