Planners recommend approval of kirk conversion
03/07/08
An application to convert an Aberdeen church into flats has been recommended for approval by city council planning officials.
Torry Church is a prominent granite building on Victoria Road. The last known use of it was as a child day care centre called Kokos.
Aberdeen City Council has received an application seeking full planning permission for a change of use for the kirk to create 14 one, two, and three bedroom flats. The steps leading up to the front of the building would be retained, and the stained glass windows on the main part of the front of building would be kept. The windows on the tower would be replaced with new timber-framed clear glass windows.
According to the plans, the tower will be brought into use by creating a dining room for three of the flats.
The existing stairs and door openings on the east side of the kirk would be removed and blocked up with material which matches the rest of the building.
Landscaping is proposed for just within the boundary wall of the property.
A report from Dr Maggie Bochel, head of planning and infrastructure, to the planning committee, states: “It is considered that bringing this building back into use, especially into residential use, is more important in this instance than ensuring the necessary off-street car parking provision, otherwise this prominent granite building may fall into disuse and disrepair.”
The application is to be considered at the planning committee meeting on 10 July.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
