Councillors have paved the way for a mystery super-sized store to take over three empty shop units in Ayr.
But politicians who approved the planning application don’t know the name of the firm, which is set to move into the Heathfield Retail Park.
It will sell homeware, bulky goods and food from floorspace formerly occupied by Poundland, Harveys and Carpetright.
It is understood the unnamed retailer will be new to the town.
Councillors did not ask who the actual tenant would be when they granted the application to change trading conditions at a recent South Ayrshire Council planning committee meeting.
Heathfield park operator Ediston was given the green light to amalgamate the units and alter conditions for sale of goods.
Commenting on why politicians don’t know the name of the store, committee chair, Councillor Brian Connollly, said: “We are not given that information in a planning application on behalf of the retail park.
“Members have no idea who the tenant will be.”
The Independent politician said the identity is “not a material planning consideration.”
Ediston has not revealed any information on the new business and the planning committee took place in private online earlier this month – excluding the media and the public.
A planning statement lodged on behalf of Ediston said: “A new tenant has been secured who requires a larger unit to meet their operation requirements.
“The new tenant is more orientated to bulky goods retailing but do sell other goods that would fall within the homewares category.”
The move will see all empty spaces at the busy retail park filled.
Prestwick councillor Hugh Hunter, who doesn’t sit on the planning committee, said: “The public have a right to know who would like to service their community.”
