AN opponent of the multi-million pound proposal for a new Marks and Spencer food store in Largs says it could leave nearby residents feeling like they are living in a 'prison yard'.


Largs man Harvey Green believes the building will damage the mental health of people living in properties in the Park View cul-de-sac area behind the development.
A decision on the application for the store, submitted last week, is to be made by council officials under delegated powers.
But Mr Green, who lives in Largs and owns a property in Park View, has lodged an objection with North Ayrshire Council in an attempt to block the store.
He fears that the site will block out light, create noise and cause a detrimental visual impact.
Harvey said: "I am astounded that the planning application has been fast tracked, as the information upon which that decision has been made does not bear scrutiny.
"The noise assessment study carried out by Bureau Veritas makes no mention of properties in Park View, despite these being physically closest to the new building and its associated noise generators.
"Properties in Park View will be the most adversely affected, as the building will be placed as close as could be constructed against the boundary. 
"The new building will create a continuous steel wall of the same height or greater as the buildings in Park View.
"This will have the effect of creating a prison yard feeling to anyone trying to use the already small rear garden spaces.
"It will be two storeys in height surrounding the communal garden area and will have a strong visual impact, and will reach up very close to some of the houses.
"The sun path report that was included in the application shows a shadowline at summer solstice midday. 
"This is the annual absolute minimum shadow pattern and bears no relation to shadow lines that will be cast by the new building at times of the day and seasons when the rear gardens in Park View might be used for gardening and other leisure use."
Mr Green told the News that noise from the store is another big worry and he feels that the application should be turned down.
He said: "Refrigerating machinery will be placed on top of the new building in direct line and very close to the rooms designated as bedrooms of the flats in Park View. 
"The resultant 24-hour constant noise along with additional noise from the adjacent loading bay area will be intrusive and disturbing, causing mental and physical health issues. 
"I have spoken to neighbours of the development and they have been shocked at how close this is going to be to their properties.
"As much as I may like Marks and Spencer food stores this proposal must be rejected."
WestQuarter Developments, who have made the planning application on behalf of M&S, have responded to Mr Green's concerns through their agents Plan Red. 
A spokesperson for Plan Red said: "I can confirm that the applicant notes the concerns of the resident and will review these in liaison with its professional advisors and the council’s planning team through the planning application process."
The planning application says that a 'comprehensive, detailed noise assessment was carried out' by Bureau Veritas and added that a noise report setting out the key findings and conclusions of the work has been completed.
It goes on: 'This confirms that the potential noise impacts of the proposed development on existing land uses, including residential surrounding the site, can be regarded as acceptable, and that noise related effects of the proposed development are not a reason to withhold planning permission.
'The existing development at the site comprises large and visually unattractive industrial profiled buildings. 
'There are no safeguarded or identified views to be retained or protected.
'Given the urban contexts of the site views of it are very limited. 
'As such there are no visual impact related concerns relating to the planning application and the development it promotes.'
It's believed that a decision on the store could be made before the year is out.