A FORMER island bank is set to be brought back into use as a holiday let ground floor flat with offices upstairs after plans were approved.
The former Bank of Scotland premises in Bowmore on Islay became the subject of an application by Curach Properties Ltd after the bank closed in May 2024.
No objections or expressions of support were lodged by the public with Argyll and Bute Council during the planning process and planning permission has now been granted.
A planning officer from the authority said that the proposed use of the Shore Street building “will fit well” with existing properties.
The official said in a handling report: “The building is within the Bowmore conservation area and there is a large walled garden to the rear of the property, set on higher ground.
“The building consists of a two storey, pitched roof structure, finished in white render with a slate roof and rear outrigger.
“The application is seeking permission for a change of use to provide a three-bedroom, short term let flat on the ground floor and two self-contained offices, with toilet and kitchenette facilities, on the first floor.
“Minor internal changes are proposed, such as the removal of some internal walls, and the creation of new internal walls.
“Externally minor changes are proposed, with the main external works consisting of replacement matching timber sash windows, with some replacement UPVC windows to the rear, and an enlarged rear door to form a patio door, which would open on to the new rear patio.”
They added: “A condition is required to ensure that the short-term holiday let element of the proposal shall be used solely as temporary holiday/letting accommodation and shall not be used as a permanent residential unit without the prior express grant of planning permission by the planning authority.
“The change of use of the property to allow it to be used as a short term holiday let and office use is an acceptable proposal within an area of the local centre where its intended use will fit well with the existing mix of residential and commercial properties which currently coexist without any conflict.”
