Plans to turn vacant office space in Aberdeen’s west end into a flat will press ahead after an initial decision to refuse it was overturned.
Cito Cimo Properties had applied to Aberdeen City Council seeking permission to transform part of the unused building on Great Western Road into a new home.
Developers wanted to transform the single-story extension at the back of the traditional granite building into a two-bedroom property.
The office space was previously used by building and engineering consultancy firm Wallace Whittle before it relocated to Marischal Square earlier this year.
It’s one of many unused offices in the area which was once a thriving business district.
But the building, located on the corner of Great Western Road and Chattan Place, has been empty since and efforts have been made to find a new tenant.
Why was the Aberdeen west end flat plan refused to start with?
However, local authority planners refused the application back in February.
They believed the limited amount of natural sunshine would be “unacceptable” for future residents.
What will the new flat look like?
As part of the proposal, new windows will be placed at the rear of property while roof lights will be installed to bring more natural light in.
The property itself will have two double bedrooms, an open kitchen, dining and living area, and a shower room.
Cito Cimo also acknowledged that sunlight would be “limited” at certain times of the year, but argued there would be a “sufficient” amount for its future residents.
What did councillors have to say about the proposal?
The application went before the council’s local review body recently, where convener Dell Henrickson suggested that the decision be overturned.
The George Street and Harbour ward member said he was “quite keen” to see the building find a new lease of life.
He explained: “With it being an office building, we have issues throughout Aberdeen where there is ample office space.
“It is questionable whether this will be reused.”
Although he noted there would be no direct sunlight, Mr Henrickson believed the property would have enough ambient light coming in from the roof lights and windows.
He added: “The amenity is questionable but it comes down to whether someone is willing to live with those.”
Following debate, members unanimously agreed to overturn the decision and granted the proposal.
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