AN ARGUMENT, regarding the future of Belleisle House Hotel, broke out at a public meeting recently.

South Ayrshire Council have refused building warrant applications for the property because of the lack of progress made.

But Chic Brodie says the fight is not over yet and Belleisle will function fully with John Campbell.

Mr Brodie said: “I have been working on this project for 18 months. John Campbell is not getting control over the car park which he would like to have primary access to.

“Belleisle could bring in £18 million revenue a year. Mr Campbell says he will begin work soon.”

Cathy Sharkey commented: “You said this work was imminent in May.”

Mr Brodie replied: “I know and you can imagine how angry I was not to see development.”

At the meeting cllr Siobhian Brown said: “Neighbourhood Services say that John Campbell has argued the reason no work has been done on Belleisle is because of the parking issue.

“John Campbell is not getting permission to build on the grass.”

Chic Brodie responded: “That is not true. He owns a lease on the grass in front of the hotel.”

A member of the public asked: “Why not allow him to have that as the hotel needs a car park?”

Mr Brodie said: “Mr Campbell is not getting pets corner and accepts that. He has to agree with the council what his requirements are within the next two months.”

Mike Newall, Head of Neighbourhood Services, said: “As Mr Campbell has failed to comply with the conditions of the sale of the former Belleisle House Hotel, and the requirement to conclude issues related to outstanding building warrant applications, refusal notices have been issued for these applications. 

“While we are continuing discussions with Mr Campbell regarding the potential for him to progress the proposed development, I have advised that we will be instructing a market valuation of the property. 

“This will inform any future consideration of a Council ‘buy-back’ of the hotel, which will be a decision for Councillors to take. 

“This is not a course of action we are taking lightly, but one that is a necessity due to Mr Campbell’s lack of progress with the development. 

“We hope this can be resolved through ongoing discussions, but we cannot allow the current situation to continue.”