Flats approved for former Helensburgh church hall site

Dean Developments Ltd lodged the application for the former St Joseph’s Church hall plot at 46 Grant Street. The proposal drew seven objections and five letters of support.

Several objectors argued that the hall had already been demolished without permission. However, planning officers confirmed that no consent was required for its removal.

In granting approval, the council described the vacant 1,500sqm brownfield site as “an appropriate opportunity” for redevelopment.

A planning officer’s report noted that the design was amended during assessment, with the footprint reduced, external materials adjusted, and the number of flats cut from 15 to 14. Officers deemed the changes non‑material.

The approved scheme comprises a four‑storey, pitched‑roof building with a stepped design to reflect the street’s slope. Although presented as a single structure, it effectively forms two linked blocks with separate entrances.

Concerns were also raised about potential overlooking, but officers concluded that separation distances were sufficient to avoid privacy issues.

The report stated: “The development has been assessed against all of the above potential constraints and designations and has been determined to raise no issues or concerns… accordingly it is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.”