Thumbs-up for building overhaul
Restaurant is part of plans
Plans to modify the front of a landmark Bridge of Allan building as part of a revamp – which includes a new restaurant – have been given the go ahead.
It follows approval of plans to convert the former Queen’s Hotel into office accommodation on the upper floors and the conversion of the former bar on the west side into a wine merchants.
Applicant Simon Littlejohn, who owns the neighbouring Jam Jar cafe, received permission to remove two stone mullions or bars from a front bay restaurant window to create one pane.
A design statement submitted with the plans by architect Ally Croal states: ‘The Queen’s Hotel, more recently known as Adamo, has fallen into disrepair over the last few years and continues to deteriorate.
‘The property ceased to operate as a hotel in 2016 when the existing business closed its doors. Since this time the building has been sold to new owners, who now wish to see the building brought back to life and back into use. The building sits within the heart of the new commercial area of Bridge of Allan and, as such, it is important the building’s new use thrives allowing the businesses within and the building to prosper.’
The statement went on: ‘When previously in use as a hotel, the restaurant struggled to generate business. The new owner, a successful restaurateur, has analysed the building and how it would function as a successful restaurant.’
The architects further said that planning consent to remove the mullions and drop the sill level at the former bar’s window to the west had been granted.
It added: ‘We have also gained consent to remove the non-original front door screen and infill side window, this was originally an open portico entrance. In doing this, it will allow us to open up the building, make it more inviting and less of a barrier between people on the street choosing to enter the building and subsequently enter the business.’
Officials granted full planning permission for the restaurant front bay window work last week under delegated powers with conditions that included the submission of design details and a method statement.
The hotel was formerly owned by businessman Euan Snowie. He bought the property in 2006 and rebranded it as Adamo. It was put on the market in 2015 with a price tag of £1.35m.