Strathpeffer Free Church house and holiday let conversion plan gets the go-ahead from Highland Council
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A LANDMARK church in Strathpeffer complete with spire and belfry looks set to be converted to a home with associated holiday letting accommodation.
Highland Council has approved an application for listed building permission to carry out the conversion of the former Strathpeffer Free Church on Golf Course Road.
The building is Grade B listed and was built in the mid 1880s.
The large stone building with different coloured slates giving the roof a striped effect features a tower on the south gable.
According to supporting information with the application from Mr Hosein Torabmostaedi, the building "commands a dominant and very visible position on Golf Course Road overlooking the village square".
The application is for detailed planning permission for the conversion with annex accommodation housing a holiday letting unit.
Agents Reynolds Architecture, Dingwall said in its report: "The church conversion is to be implemented empathetically. Alterations to the external fabric are restricted to the removal of the existing timber access ramp, the removal of existing wooden louvre on three of the bell tower's sides to be replaced with glazing."
Two single doors would be replaced with new glazed timber units, and a small window to the south east would be removed and enlarged to allow a large glazed doorset to be installed.
Existing windows and stained glass windows are to be refurbished.
The slates and existing decorative ridge tiles would be checked for soundness and where required replaced on a like-for-like basis.
Inside the pews would be removed pews the interior brought into habitable standard with an insulated frame, floor, and roof.
Features of importance such as the ceramic tiling to entrance vestibules, pulpit, dado-panelling, the balcony and support columns, the trusses and support brackets, timber-lined ceiling and stained-glass windows will be incorporated into the conversion.
The architects state: "The renovation of the existing structures aids the preservation of a traditional building which has existed for over 150 years.The applicant is demonstrating a desire to investment in conserving the existing building.
"The detailed design has been formulated to ensure that the development respects the character of the site and its surroundings."
Historic Environment Scotland, (HES) statutory consultees, are largely supportive of "this well-considered scheme as it would provide a sympathetic and much needed new use for the former church," and do not object.
HES is however concerned over the removal of belfry louvres on three of the four elevations.
The HES report states: "These louvres contribute significantly to the architectural composition of the spire and to the understanding of the historic use of this space as a belfry.
"The south and east elevations are particularly visually prominent, especially when viewed from the village centre and when on approach. The removal of louvres to either of these elevations would have a detrimental impact on the character of the church, that would not be satisfactorily remedied by inserting glazing."
HES advise that the louvres on both the east and south elevations are retained, with glazing installed behind them. The other two elevations are less prominent and HES would be content for those louvres to be replaced by glazing.
HES added: "The striped pattern of the roof also makes an important contribution and any repairs should ensure this design feature is retained."
Highland Council has granted permission for the development subject to a number of conditions.
