PLANS have been lodged to convert a former Royal Navy family centre in Helensburgh into flats.

Argyll and Bute Council has been asked to grant a 'change of use' application for Braeholm in East Montrose Street.

The building, which was previously used as a family centre and nursery, has lain mostly empty since its closure last year by Aggie Weston's, the Navy charity which operated the facility.

The charity, which provides support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families, put Braeholm up for sale last September, seeking offers over £500,000.

Aggie Weston's still owns the property – but expects to sell it if the application for its change of use, by Glasgow-based firm Panacea (Scotland) Ltd, is granted.

Craig Fulton, chief executive officer of Aggie Weston's, told the Advertiser: “It was with great regret that the trustees of Aggie Weston’s recognised that the charity had no realistic option other than to close and dispose of Braeholm.

“Since making that decision we have sought a responsible buyer who will be able to maintain the look of this historic and listed building.

“We believe that the proposed development plan is the best way to secure a long term future for the building and are optimistic that it will be accepted by the Argyll and Bute Council.”

Helensburgh Central councillor Vivien Dance said: “I welcome the news that Braeholm will be developed to provide much needed homes in our community and I am sure the conversion will create a great addition to available properties in the area. 

“New homes are what we need in Helensburgh to help address the falling population and I look forward to seeing the development progress to completion.

Local councillor and West of Scotland MSP Maurice Corry, who opposed news of Braeholm's closure last year in his role as Argyll and Bute Council's armed forces champion, said: “It is sad to see the former Royal Navy family centre at Braeholm being lost for the use of the Royal Navy.

“However, we have got to look at the positive that more housing will be provided for local residence in Helensburgh which is needed.”

Separately, the Aggie Weston's charity has also been awarded £2,500 from The Patron's Fund, the charitable fund set up last year to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, to develop its work in the Helensburgh area.

The money will be used to help fund a 'Welcome to Scotland' programme to encourage personnel assigned to HM Naval Base Clyde to consider relocating to the area.

Mr Corry added: “While we hear the sad news of the change of use of Braeholm family centre previously run by Aggie Weston’s, it is a positive that they have been awarded a financial gift from The Patron’s Fund.

“I hope this will assist Aggie Weston’s in continuing their great work within our community in assisting Naval families who have relocated to Helensburgh.”

The announcement last year that Braeholm was to close met widespread opposition and upset in the area, especially among the service community.

While most of the services previously provided at Braeholm are no longer in operation at the facility, an award-winning nursery, the Cottage Kindergarten, still provides early years education for some 40 children at the building.