A man has applied for listed building consent to convert a former church in Errol into new homes for single people and couples.
Finn Anderson has asked Perth and Kinross Council for permission to form four one-bedroom apartments within the walls of the former Free Church of Scotland standing in the village’s Church Lane.
Cupar-based chartered town planners Arthur Stone Planning and Architectural Design say the former mid 19th century church is in a derelict state and will only deteriorate further if Mr Anderson’s application is unsuccessful.
According to a planning statement prepared on behalf of Mr Anderson, the C-listed structure, which lies within the village’s conservation area, was most recently used as a workshop by a joinery and construction company.
The statement says: “The proposal will restore the C-listed former church building, now in a derelict condition, providing an appropriate new use for this valued building alongside retaining its special interest, ensuring that it can be retained as part of the historic fabric of Errol.
“It is understood that the building has not been in use as a joinery workshop in recent years and with ongoing neglect of its maintenance — a further 12 years since reported in the conservation area appraisal — the already neglected building has experienced considerable further deterioration.
“Unless the building can be given a new use which enables its restoration, it is inevitable that its fabric will continue to deteriorate.
“This application seeks to achieve the sensitive redevelopment of the former church building through its redevelopment to form four one-bedroom apartments, each with accommodation over two floors.
“The design concept has aimed to re-use the church building with minimal intervention with its fabric, beyond that which is required to bring it into a new sustainable and beneficial use.”
The application awaits responses from consultees.
