PLANS for internal and external works at Oban Sheriff Court have been approved by council officers.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service appealed to Argyll and Bute Council for planning permission and listed building consent for various works, including internal alterations to create a new secure custody suite.
External alterations, and the installation of a lift to the first-floor courtroom, also formed part of the plans for the Albany Street premises.
The two applications have now been approved by council officers, with one neutral representation having been received in response to the planning permission application.
An officer from the authority said in a handling report for the listed building consent application: “The court house [is] a prominent traditional stone built civic building located on a corner plot at the junction of Campbell Street and Albany Street.
“The building occupies a visually important position on the edge of Oban town centre and makes a significant contribution to the character and appearance of the surrounding townscape.”
The report said the application was seeking consent for “The installation of a platform lift housed within a clear toughened glass enclosure with a powder coated aluminium frame, screened internally by an acoustic plasterboard partition. The lift will allow access from the ground floor to the first floor.
“Conversion of the existing COPFS (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service) office and kitchen accommodation to create a new custody suite at ground-floor level, incorporating two custody cells together with associated ancillary facilities and support accommodation.
“Removal of a section of the dock within court 1 to enlarge the jury box, thereby improving accessibility and enabling its use by jurors who require a wheelchair.”
On the planning permission application, the handling report said: “The proposed modifications represent a pragmatic and sensitive approach to improving accessibility within the building.
“By establishing a suitable accessible route, the proposal would facilitate inclusive access for all users and provide flexibility for future changes in occupancy and use.
“The works have been designed to minimise intervention to the existing fabric of the building whilst reducing the need for more extensive structural alterations in the future.
“The proposal represents an existing town centre building and will support its continued long-term use as an important public facility.
“By enhancing accessibility to meet ongoing operational requirements, the development will help secure the ongoing functionality of the courthouse.
“In doing so, the proposal supports the Town Centre First principle by maintaining and enhancing an established public service within the town centre.
“The continued use and improvement of this existing building will contribute positively to the vitality and resilience of Oban town centre by sustaining an important community and public sector function within a highly accessible central location.”
