PLANS have been revealed to turn a former nursery overlooking Oban Bay into a guest house.
Jim Frew, of Rainbow Childcare, has lodged the proposal with Argyll and Bute Council for the facility to be situated at the former Christ Church.
The church closed in 2013, with Rainbow Childcare subsequently purchasing the property before it closed in 2022.
If awarded planning permission, the guest house would have 10 bedrooms along with a guest lounge and managerial accommodation.
A revised layout has been agreed after officials of the authority expressed concerns over splitting the guest lounge over some aspects of the initial design.
A decision from the council’s planning officers is expected by early March, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
A design statement by planning agents CP Architects said: “The revised proposals will provide sleeping accommodation for 26 people over 10 rooms with a mixture of larger guest suites and double bedrooms together with open lounge areas.
“The volume and section of the building are used to provide generous and distinctive bedroom accommodation with mezzanine sleeping galleries now incorporated to some rooms.
“The main entrance will be via the existing tower located on the southeast side. The building will also be upgraded thermally by addition of internal insulation.
“In the revised layout, which is the subject of this application, a new central stair provides access to all accommodation levels including bedroom 6 on the mezzanine level.
“The existing timber winding stairs at the east end of the building have been replaced with a new stair placed centrally on the gable wall.
“This improves access, provides a second means of escape and avoids the many compliance issues with the steep, narrow, winding timber stairs. The areas formerly occupied by the timber stairs now accommodate plant and storage to service the development.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 24/02226/PP.
