Controversial shop plans have been refused after residents hit out at proposals in overwhelming numbers.
Ambitious blueprints for Kilmarnock's Hill Street could've seen the existing Key Store flanked by new retail units.
Locals highlighted concerns over traffic issues and a loss of green space if the plans were given approval.
Four car park spaces at the Rosebank Place side of the site were also proposed along with a three-space loading bay on Hill Street.
More than 30 objections were lodged for the plans.
But the proposals were knocked back by East Ayrshire Council's planning committee.
Councillors at the meeting on April 22 agreed with the planning department's recommendation to refuse the bid.
It was concluded that the blueprints could not be granted because it was outwith the town centre boundary and the applicant provided no justification for the units not being within the town centre.
It was also concluded that the section of open space that would be lost would have a 'significant impact upon the character and amenity of the residential estate'.
Representations at the meeting came from two residents who objected to plans and the agent who lodged the application on his client's behalf.
One resident, Ms Carolyn Hanvey, told the meeting that her children play in the gated open space at the mouth of Stafford Street and has been used and maintained by residents for 30 years.
Ms Hanvey, who said the project was a 'sore point', added: "Everything that's in that proposal is not required. It's going to be detrimental to anyone in that estate that's raising young children."
Neil Rodgers, acting as the agent for the applicant, Mohammed Ramzan, said: "I hear what the objectors are saying. A proportion of the open space is owned by my client. The neighbours using it as a space, they're technically going on my client's ground."
He added: "The client isn't wanting to rock any boats, really hoping to try and actually enhance the area."
It emerged at the meeting that the two new units would be used for a barber's at the north unit and a pharmacy in the south.
While an end user had been identified for the chemist, Mr Rodgers clarified that no discussions had taken place with NHS Ayrshire & Arran over the possibility of a pharmacy opening. He confirmed this would take place if approval was granted.
But councillors accepted the planning departments recommendations and the application was refused.
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