Flats plan for church would bring ‘building at risk’ back to life

Developers have been granted permission to turn a derelict 19th Century Angus church into flats.

Maisondieu Church in Brechin has lain empty since the early 1980s, in a poor state of repair, and has been subject to break-ins and vandalism over the course of 30 years.

Owner David Mather from Stirling has been given permission to turn the B-listed church, which is on the Buildings At Risk register, into seven flats.

The Witchden Road house of prayer was built by Sir George Washington Browne in 1891 in a late classical, neo-Georgian style.

The council’s handling report on the approval states that the bid to “revitalise” the former church would preserve the entrance lobby, and both original stairs will be reused to access upper floor flats.

One letter of representation was received, airing concerns over noise and disruption from construction work and traffic, and adverse effects on residents through noise and car parking.

But case officer Neil Duthie commented this was not a material factor for consideration.

“The proposal would result in the restoration of a prominent listed building involving minimal external alterations,” he added.

“The site is currently unkempt and overgrown and its current appearance has an adverse effect on visual amenity and the setting of the listed church building.

“In this respect, the intended conversion, proposed improvements to the grounds for access and parking, and tree maintenance will all combine to provide a more pleasant environment for this area of Brechin.”