The Bishop of Aberdeen could soon be living in the grand surroundings of an 18th century listed residence in one of the city’s most historic streets.
A three-storey, five bedroom house in The Chanonry is being bought for Roman Catholic Bishop Hugh Gilbert.
The church is proposing to use the building as a home, offices and meeting space.
However, it will not move forward with the purchase of the property until it has change-of-use permission from the local authority.
Planning chiefs are now calling on councillors to approve the church’s application next week.
It comes despite opposition from Old Aberdeen Community Council and a further 14 letters of objection.
Among the concerns raised by opponents of the scheme would be that it would be potentially detrimental to the local conservation area.
The potential increase in traffic was also a matter of some concern, with objectors claiming it will heap more pressure on an area that is already affected by congestion, both on the roads and also in terms of parking.
If approved, it would be with the condition that the office would be for the sole use of the diocese.
There would also be a requirement to put in place bicycle parking spaces.
The church has said the move to Old Aberdeen was necessitated by the property market while prices are squeezed by the oil industry crisis.
The bishop is due to relocate by mid-October – and a planning application has been submitted for the conversion of the upper floor of the Category B-listed house into four offices.
A “parish room” would be on the ground floor.
If permission is granted, the property would be named St Mary’s House.
The area is one which already has connections with the church, with the road named after the canons of next-door St Machar’s Cathedral who once lived there.
It is not known how much the site will cost the church but another property on the highly-desirable road is on the market for £750,000.
