Ayr Dance School’s Dream Home Rejected by Council

Ayr dance school LJM Dances has vowed to keep fighting after South Ayrshire Council rejected its plans to transform an empty North Harbour Street restaurant into a new community dance hub.

Photo: Google Maps

The school, founded in 2017 by principal Lisa Muir, had hoped to convert the premises into two studios with disabled access and proper facilities.

But after a seven-month process, the application was refused on August 21. The council said the plans would have a “detrimental impact” on surrounding residential properties, citing concerns about parking and the potential effect on the amenity of neighbours.

Lisa said the decision has left the school “heartbroken” after investing almost £4,000 in the application, including planning fees, architectural costs, and a full noise impact assessment.

“We believed this building was the perfect home for our dance family, with space to grow and to give Ayr’s children the safe, creative space they deserve,” she said.

She also questioned why parking became the deciding factor so late in the process, when she had already been required to carry out costly noise impact tests. “The council insisted on a noise report before raising parking as an issue, when surely they were aware of the parking situation from the start,” she said.

In response to the rejection, parents and supporters have rallied behind the school. A petition calling for the council to reconsider has already attracted more than 600 signatures.

Families say the school plays a vital role in Ayr’s community, offering classes for over 200 young people, including Ayr’s only dedicated ASN dance class.

Lisa added: “For us, this isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about giving Ayr’s children a chance to shine, to be part of something positive, and to have a space where everyone is welcome. We’re appealing the decision and asking the community to stand with us.”

South Ayrshire Council confirmed the refusal, stating: “Planning Application 25/00115/APP, for the change of use of a Class 3 restaurant to a Class 11 dance studio was refused by the Planning Service due to the detrimental impact of the proposals on the amenity of the surrounding residential properties. This decision was taken following an assessment of the proposals, including the statutory public consultation process. The Report of Handling, available on the Council’s website, sets the full details of the decision.”

With growing public support, the dance school says it will continue to push forward with its appeal in the hope of finally securing a permanent home for its dancers.

You can add your signature to the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/support-ljm-dance-school-s-application-to-enhance-facilities