PLANS for a family entertainment and activity centre at a former church in Rothesay have been recommended for approval.
Adventure Lane CIC wishes to install the facility at the former Trinity Church on Castle Street, including the detached hall at the back.
Argyll and Bute Councillors will determine the application at a meeting, with nine expressions of support and three objections having been received from the public, along with one neutral representation.
A petition containing 207 signatories, expressing support for the proposal, is also reported to have been received by the authority.
The council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee will meet on Wednesday, August 19, with planning permission recommended to be granted.
A council official said in a handling report: “Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the vacant Trinity Church site in Castle Street, Rothesay to a family entertainment activity centre.
“This will involve the provision of a range of play experiences in the main church building to the front (including a modular golf course, bowling lanes, interactive darts, virtual reality experiences, etc. with a bar/restaurant) and a physical link is to be created to the hall to the rear, which is planned to accommodate an indoor adventure playground and party room. On the land to the rear of the hall, four pieces of outdoor play equipment are to be installed.
“Due to the amalgamation of congregations as a result of a decline in worshippers, the building has been vacant for a couple of years. The proposal represents an opportunity to bring the building back into active use and this is recognised as a key component in ensuring that it does not fall into disrepair and become a derelict structure.
“As such, the current proposal is to be welcomed and it is also clear that it has been developed with respect and careful consideration of the existing property and its significant internal features.
“The alterations that are identified have been formulated with the intention of increasing the usability of the church building to cater for multiple activities whilst retaining its historical character.”
The report added: “The proposal departs from parking standards due to the absence of on-site parking. However, this is justified as the provision of parking would require the loss of the historic frontage and boundary features of the Category B listed building, causing harm to the character of the listed building and Rothesay Conservation Area.
“There is also no land within the applicant’s control on which parking could be provided. Parking surveys have identified that there is on-street parking capacity relatively close to the facility.
“The proposed use has a maximum capacity of 200 persons, substantially lower than the church’s historic capacity of around 600 persons, and therefore is not expected to generate greater parking demand than the existing lawful use.
“The proposal has been considered against all of the relevant policies and it is considered that significant material weight should be afforded to sensitively bringing this important listed building back into active use to benefit Rothesay town centre and the wider Isle of Bute.
“The family entertainment activity centre will have considerable community, economic and tourism benefits.
“It is preferable to have off-street parking but, given a variety of factors including the relative capacities of the lawful and proposed uses, the provision of an active travel plan, and the proximity to public transport links, it is not considered that the absence of off-street parking is a reason for refusal.
“In conclusion, the proposal, if approved, will successfully contribute to the sense of place and vitality of the town centre.”
