Plans to turn a former Stirling city centre church into a wedding venue were approved last week.

Eros Events had applied for a change of use for the B-listed Allan Park South Church building on Dumbarton Road from class 10 (non-residential institution) to class three (food and drink) and class 11 (assembly and leisure) and the installation of new door with surround as well as two replacement windows on the west elevation.

Officials granted full planning permission for the scheme with the condition that full details be submitted on the proposed windows and door for written approval before work commences ‘to ensure that the external features...are not adversely affected by the proposed development’.

In reaching their decision planners referred to a number of policies including Supporting Town Centres.

The report of handling stated: ‘Class three uses will be supported where they will not be to the detriment of occupiers of adjacent properties by virtue of noise, disturbance or odour.

‘The Policy states that within Stirling city centre, outwith the prime retail area, changes of use that provide economic and social activity during both the day and evening will be supported.

‘The congregation of Allan Park Church merged with St Columba’s in early 2021 due to limited finances, dwindling congregation and rising maintenance costs of their place of worship.

‘This resulted in the church being put up for sale. If an alternative use is not found for this building it will fall into a state of disrepair.’

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It was further pointed out that the proposed use for the detached building would result in very little alteration to its fabric.

The official added: ‘It is considered that the proposal will utilise an important, under-utilised building whilst providing activity during the day and evening within a city centre location.’

It was also backed by policy on Retail and Footfall Generating Uses, supporting uses which generate footfall within a city centre.

Historic building policies (Development within and outwith Conservation Areas) also supported the plans. The report added: ‘Since very minor external alterations are proposed, it is not considered that these will have an adverse impact on either how this building is perceived from the Conservation Area or how it will impact on the setting of the Conservation Area.’

The applicant, according to planners, had sought to ensure that the development preserves the building’s character and its setting – and the works are as sympathetic to the building as possible.

The Council’s Conservation Officer had also carried out a site visit to survey the internal and external features of the building and assess the impact that the proposed changes may have on its fabric and features.

In conclusion, officers considered the proposal complied with the policies of the Stirling Local Development Plan and there were no material considerations that would weigh against a positive recommendation.