PLANS to turn a former hotel into a residential house have been approved by planning chiefs despite six objections.

Timothy Gay’s proposals for the former Kilcreggan Hotel, which ceased trading at the end of May, were rubber-stamped for planning permission by Argyll and Bute Council last week.

The loss of the hotel to the village were described as “regrettable” in a report by the authority, but it was added that alternative hotel accommodation was available.

The document, by planning officer Stephanie Spreng, also addressed other concerns, including any impact on a local tourism initiative.

Ms Spreng’s report says: “The hotel has now closed and the proposal is to change the use of the whole building to residential. At this moment in time there are no plans for internal alterations.

“Any internal alterations would require listed building consent and potentially planning permission, should the decision be made to sub-divide the building.

“The change of use to residential is considered to be acceptable.

“The site is within the settlement boundary and while its loss will be felt by the local community, there is provision elsewhere within the Rosneath Peninsula.

“Within Kilcreggan there is a public house and café and, within the adjoining village of Cove, there is Knockderry Hotel.

“There are no physical changes to the external appearance of the building and as such there will be no effect on the appearance of the listed building or the wider streetscape.”

The Advertiser reported in June how brother and sister Bryan Burch and Jane Kerr were terminating their lease at the hotel due to problems with the building.