Highland MSP Maree Todd lodges application to create new constituency office in Alness

Maree Todd, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, has lodged an application with Highland Council for a change of use for premises at 31 High Street in the town.

If permitted it would see the transformation of a former beauty salon into a new office base though no significant external or internal changes are planned as part of the transformation, if it gets the go-ahead.

A planning statement lodged with the application states: "The proposal seeks a change of use of an existing Class 1 retail unit at 31 High St Alness to form a Class 2 use.

"The proposal involves the change of use only of the premises in order to provide a constituency office for Maree Todd MSP.

"The existing internal floor layout provides scope for forming private consulting areas if required but it will not be necessary to alter or amend the existing layout.

"There are no internal alterations therefore proposed with this application. The offices will provide a service to visiting members of the public.

"The premises has operated as a beauty salon for several years.

"The site includes access to two parking spaces to the rear of the premises with access from Averon Road.

"No alterations are required and the ground floor of the premises only is involved in the change of use."

It goes on: "The site lies within the boundaries of Alness town centre where retail is an appropriate use.

"There are no specific policies relating to the provision of Class 2 (financial and professional services) within the

town centre, but it is generally considered an appropriate use since it provides services to visiting members of the public and supports the retail function.

"It is important that visual interest is retained at the ground floor level to help attract shoppers to the area and avoid unwelcoming blank frontages.

"In this instance, no alterations to the exterior of the premises are proposed, and therefore the existing shop window will be retained, which will help present an attractive streetscape to shoppers."

"Class 2 uses are considered compatible with town centre uses representing uses the public can expect to find in shopping areas and where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public.

"The proposed use by the MSP representing the area, complies with this criteria, providing easy access for visiting members of the public, with available on and off-street parking and is located within an area that continues to support a range of retail units."

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