Dalry could lose one of its most central pubs if plans to demolish part of the Royal Hotel are approved.

McMillan and Cronin Architects have submitted plans to North Ayrshire Council, which would see the partial demolition of the Garnock Street building to make way for six new flats.

If approved, the development would see a change of use from the ground floor public bar to a residential flatted unit. The replacement three-storey building would contain three one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments.

The ground floor properties to the new build would have main door access and the upper floor units will be accessed by way of a communal staircase. Access from a rear courtyard would provide parking for five cars.

The plans state: “It has been established that the business is unsustainable. The proposal is, therefore, to breathe new life into the site through the demolition of the portion of building which faces onto Garnock Street, whilst maintaining the more prominent corner building.”