Church conversion plans on hold due to water supply problems

Plans to convert a fire-ravaged church into housing have stalled due to a lack of connections to water supplies and sewer systems, it has been claimed.

The former Lochee Old Parish Church in Dundee had been earmarked for a housing redevelopment before it was destroyed in a blaze more than two years ago.

The fire left the church ruined as the roof collapsed and the insides were scorched. The building has now become an eyesore in Lochee, attracting vandals and litter.

Lochee councillor Charlie Malone believes the abandoned church is having a negative impact on the community as a whole.

He said: “My concern is that it’s becoming not just an eyesore, but a place for vandalism.

“We’re trying to regenerate and revive as a community, but having this run-down church presents the image that the whole community is run-down.

“I live near the church and walking down that street at night can be quite intimidating because you’ve got this burneddown old building next to you. I also don’t think the site is safe.”

The property was originally owned by a company in Edinburgh, but was sold to Dundee-based George Martin Builders Ltd soon after the fire.

A spokesman for the company said: “We plan to develop the property into flats, but we can’t get planning due to Scottish Water not connecting us to the sewage system and water mains.”

Scottish Water said it is established policy not to accept new surface water connections to combined sewers, other than in highly exceptional circumstances, to avoid the risk of flooding.

Lochee councillor Charlie Malone beside the building.