Plans to redevelop old school buildings given go-ahead

Proposals to turn a former primary school into homes have been given the green light by planning officials.

The former Invergowrie Primary School building will be transformed into five properties.

The application relates to the former primary comprising an earlier school to the north dating from the late 19th Century and the larger school building to the south built in the early 20th Century.

The former school house attached to the earlier school is not included in the proposals.

Two homes will be built in the older section, with the remainder in the newer part.

The plan will involve a redesign of the building’s interior layout and new exterior openings.

The buildings have been vacant since 2013 when the new primary school, which lies to the south-west of the site, was constructed.

A new multi-use games area and vehicle drop-off area lie directly south of the early 20th Century school.

An important aspect of the plan according to council reports is the C-listed buildings place at the heart of the village.

Concerns about road safety from the redevelopment were raised by the parent council

– in particular the narrow width of the pavement – but these were to be tackled with improvements incorporated into the permission.

The character of the building will be maintained. A report submitted to the council said: “There is a presumption in favour of the retention and sympathetic restoration, correct maintenance and sensitive management of listed buildings to enable them to remain in active use.”