Serious concerns about the proposed Wetherspoons bar and diner planned for Largs seafront have been raised by the community council.

Fears that it would lead to noise late at night, and anti-social behaviour were among a range of concerns raised at the group’s meeting last week.

Other points discussed included questions about licensing hours, waste disposal, the reduction in the thoroughfare, and ownership of the pavement at the point where Wetherspoons want to put an outside sitting area.

The councillors also pointed out that the site is a busy part of Gallowgate Street, with bus stops and a loading bay near-by.

As we revealed two weeks ago, JD Wetherspoons have lodged an application with North Ayrshire Council to build the bar/restaurant at Escape Amusement Arcade as part of a radical overhaul of the Largs Pier venue. They want 7am openings and closures at either 12.30am or 1am.

The plan has sparked off controversy in the town, with many comments — for and against — appearing on the Largs News facebook page.

Initial concerns at the community council focused on the proposed opening hours with fears being expressed that drink would be sold early in the morning.

North Ayrshire Councillor Tom Marshall, vice chairman of the licensing board, told the meeting that in the first instance this was a planning matter and that the licensing issue would be considered later.

He said: “It is not a change of use, but they will need to apply for a transfer of licence because there will be material changes, particularly in relation to the number of customers.” He said the seated area outside would have to be closed at 10pm and standing would not be permitted there.

“There is going to be some noise but it will have to be controlled,” he added.

Councillor Jim Perman noted that the company had requested permission for “all activities carried out on site” and questioned whether that implied drink would be sold before 11am. But Cllr Marshall said there was “no way” that would be the case.

Mr Marshall commented: “The problem is that it’s a town centre business. I have every sympathy with the people who live in the town centre but you have to accept there will be noise.” Mrs Patricia Perman said: “Am I the only person who thinks Wetherspoons is a good idea?” Councillor Alan Hill said with the extra numbers of customers attracted to the area, waste disposal would be an issue and he asked: “Where is all the rubbish going to go?” Mention was made of the alleyway beside the Bean and Leaf as one possible option.

The council agreed to formally notify planners about their concerns, although stopped short of objecting outright to the proposals.

The middle part of the building has got planning permission and a licence for a Co-op store.

The timing of deliveries to the loading bay was also questioned, with chairman Douglas Blair saying: “We don’t want draymen turning up at 12am to off-load supplies.” The ‘News’ believes that other bar and restaurant owners in the town centre have met to discuss the Wetherspoons plan.