Plans submitted for conversion of listed building at risk

Plans seek to breath new life into and restore B-listed building that has been on the Buildings at Risk Register for a number of years

Plans have been submitted for the conversion of Monifieth’s former Seaview nursery and the creation of 24 flats in its grounds.

Dundee-based GL Residential has submitted the proposal to Angus Council for conversion of the B-listed former nursery, bringing fresh hope for the future of the property currently languishing on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk register.

The company plans to develop seven homes within the main block, which dates to 1860 and was originally built by architect James Maclaren for James Fairweather Low of Monifieth Foundry.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We are delighted to be able to finally submit our plans for the renovation of Seaview House, Monifieth, designed by the award-winning Voigt Partnership in Arbroath.

“The local community will know that the condition of the building, which is included on the Buildings at Risk Register, continues to deteriorate and is in great need of restoration.

“The new-build element within the grounds is needed to secure the overall viability of the proposals,” they added.

The spokesperson continued: “The main priority is to convert and restore the existing building back to its former glory.

“The new-build properties have been designed to sit lower and stepped back to allow the existing building to retain its prominence on the site.”

Garden grounds are being retained and the firm said the original building will be more visible from the south.

“Although very challenging, our proposals can reverse the deterioration of this local landmark and bring this important building back into active use while providing new high-quality homes in Monifeith.”

The firm hopes that once necessary permissions are secured, building work canstart later this year.

Seaview was the subject of a previously approved plan to turn it into a house and build four houses in the grounds, but that proposal never materialised.

As far back as 2006, the site was valued at £750,000, but councillors were recommended to take a £250,000 offer for it in 2013.

Previous developers were plagued with problems of vandalism and theft.

gbrown@thecourier.co.uk

“The main priority is to convert and restore the existing building back to its former glory. GL RESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON

An artist’s impression of what the restored Seaview House will look like.