PLANS for 14 flats at a former Helensburgh church hall site have been given the go-ahead by council officers.
Dean Developments Ltd’s application for the former St Joseph’s Church hall site at 46 Grant Street attracted seven objections and five expressions of support from the public.
Many of the objections stated that demolition of the former hall had already taken place, but Argyll and Bute Council officers have said that no consent was needed for the demolition.
The authority has now granted planning permission, stating that the site represents “an appropriate opportunity” for the redevelopment of the site.
A planning officer said in a handling report: “The application site measures approximately 1,500sqm and is currently a vacant brownfield site.
“The site formerly had a vacant hall sited upon it, namely St Joseph’s hall. Although this application sought approval for the demolition of this hall, it is confirmed that this property has been demolished, it is further confirmed that no consents were required for the demolition of this building. The existing now vacant site is bounded to all sides with existing stone walls and is generally level.
“During the determination process the design of the proposal was amended slightly. The changes were considered to be non-material and consisted of a reduction in the footprint of the proposal, a reduction in the number of flats proposed (15 down to 14 flats), slight changes to the configuration of external openings and amendments to the proposed external materials.
“This application is for the erection of 14 flatted properties, the design of which is a simple pitched roof gable ended linear four-story design with a ‘step-down’ mid-way to take into account the street topography and ‘break-up’ the street elevation.
“This effectively forms two blocks of flats with two separate entrances and circulation spaces, however, the blocks are attached to one another.”
Objectors also raised concerns about the privacy of neighbouring properties, but officers were satisfied that there would be no issues.
The report said: “Due to the separation distances it is not considered there would be any issues with regards to window privacy issues.
“This is because all windows of the proposed development are at a distance of over 18m from all neighbouring properties windows. Note that 18m is the recommended minimum separation guidelines.”
The official added: “The site is considered to represent an appropriate opportunity for the redevelopment of a brownfield site with the proposed flatted development which is of an appropriate scale and design for its site, incorporating finishing materials which will ensure that it integrates well within the site and this area of the town where there are a wide variety of designs and finishing materials evident.
“No objections have been received from consultees with regards to the proposed infrastructure to serve the development.
“The development has been assessed against all of the above potential constraints and designations and has been determined to raise no issues or concerns except for any specifically referred to within this summary assessment and accordingly it is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to the conditions contained within this report.”
