Conversion could safeguard a historic mill in Kinbuck, which has been on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register for more than 20 years.
Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved a partial change of use of the Old Mill in Main Street to create two houses plus the building of a detached crafts workshop.
The Old Mill is an early 19th century former carding and spinning mill. Although the building is not listed and is not located within a Conservation Area, it has been earmarked as a building of local historic and architectural significance.
The building, which was placed on the Building’s At Risk Register for Scotland in December 2000, is traditionally constructed in stone over two storeys, plus attic and basement, with a slate roof, and a loft dormer with a hoist centrally positioned on the front elevation.
In their decision, Stirling Council planners said: “The remains of a stone single storey building associated with the mill, lie to the side of the north gable. Two large modern, brick built extensions existed to the rear and side of the historic mill building; these have now been demolished retaining only the historic mill buildings on the site.
“The building is prominently located on the south side of the main street, in the centre of Kinbuck, on a site which is bound by the Allan Water river to the south and the B8033 road to the north.
“The proposed works will ensure the retention and reuse of a redundant historic building at risk, preserving it as part of the historic environment of the Stirling Council area and identity of Kinbuck village.
“An archaeological condition attached to the consent will require the recording of the building prior to works beginning on site and ensure a record of the upstanding archaeology is made.”
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A bat survey found a sole pipistrelle bat at the building.
“The proposed development safeguards and enhances this redundant rural building as part of the built heritage of Kinbuck,” added the planners, “and retains it as a feature that contributes positively to the local streetscape.
“The application is supported by a bat survey, bat licence, bat protection plan and an ecologist’s habitat report has been submitted, stating evidence of nesting swallows in the building, and recommending the building be sealed between October to March to prevent this re-occurring.”
