Break-ins spark site work on new flats Developer keen to get started
Building work to convert the former St Stephen’s RC Primary School building in Blairgowrie into eight affordable homes is set to begin this month.
That’s according to property developer and owner of the site, Graeme Carling, who exclusively revealed his intention to commence building work to the Blairgowrie Advertiser earlier this week.
Planning permission for proposals to turn the B-listed building into eight homes - seven one-bedroom flats and a studio apartment - was granted by Perth and Kinross Council last year.
The plans were put on hold, however, after a failed application to the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Empty Homes Fund meant that the development was not economically viable. The site was put back on the market earlier this year.
Mr Carling said that they had received a few offers for the site but that they “didn’t sit well” with the building which he feels “is ideal for conversion into housing and, in particular, the type of affordable housing for which there is local demand”.
He added that the company was now in a financial position to start work on the development, and that they were keen to get started as soon as possible.
Mr Carling explained: “The situation has been exacerbated recently as the site has been broken into a few times in recent weeks, which has pushed us into doing something sooner rather than later before the building deteriorates further.
“We’re looking forward to getting started, and hopefully the guys will be on site in the next couple of weeks.”
Plans for the conversion of the former school were first announced at the start of 2015. Following a number of objections, including concerns that there were too many flats for the size of the building and fears over parking and increased traffic and noise levels, revised plans were submitted and approved by PKC last summer.
The John Street site has lain empty since 2009 after pupils were moved to the town’s community campus in Elm Drive.
The building, which dates back to 1841, lies within the town’s conservation area and has been on the ‘Buildings At Risk’ register for years.
Mr Carling said: “There is a need for this type of affordable housing in the area and we want to provide for that.”
It is hoped the properties will be available to rent by the end of March next year should the project progress as expected, according to Mr Carling.