A former Forfar primary school that has lain empty since 2008 is set to be developed into 16 flats.
Angus firm Taylor Shepherd have been given the go-ahead to develop the 133-year-old C-listed Wellbrae Primary School building by councillors.
The plans have not been without objections from the community, with much of the concern related to the destruction of the building’s lantern-style atrium.
Resident Isobel Ross described alterations to the roof as an ”act of vandalism”. However councillors were prepared to overlook their concerns about modifications to the building to see it put to good use.
Bob Myles said: ”The removal of the roofing in the middle of the building doesn’t detract from the significant architectural heritage the building has. I don’t think it will be a big loss to have the atrium removed.
”I always feel it’s difficult to convert a school into residential properties as it was built for a different purpose. I think this is an intelligent design to utilise the building but retain its character.”
The plans also showed that a handful of the flats did not have bathrooms but they were assured by the developer that the final plans would show all the flats with their own bathroom.
Another objection was at the lack of public amenity space, but Alison Andrews said not everyone looks for a garden with their home.
The proposal was passed unanimously by the development standards committee.
The development is the latest in a long line of applications for the site since the school was replaced by the new venue at Whitehills.
In July 2010 councillors refused plans for the demolition of the building. A year later development standards committee members declined a proposal to convert the school into ten dwellings along with the erection of eight flats and garages and four futher houses.
A concurrent application for listed building consent to convert the former school building into ten homes was, however, agreed at that time.
More recently applications for planning permission and listed building consent for alterations and linking of the ancillary buildings to form a community church and the formation of associated car parking on a site immediately to the north of the school were approved.