A FLAT above a Helensburgh restaurant is set to be converted into four rentable residential rooms after council chiefs approved plans.

Willart Ltd submitted the plans for the facility at 31 Colquhoun Square, located above the Sugar Boat, at the end of April.

No objections have been received from members of the public to the proposal, which is expected to see guests at the Sugar Boat given the option to stay overnight.

Argyll and Bute Council’s roads and environmental health officers have also said they have no objections to the proposal.

A council planning officer said in a handling report: “The existing property is a vacant maisonette (two-storey) flat, which is located above an existing restaurant.

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“The restaurant owner has acquired the flat above and wishes to convert it into four rentable rooms.

“The individual rooms will all be en-suite and be available to rent individually on a short-term basis. No self-catering facilities will be provided except tea/coffee making facilities.

“It is envisaged that the existing restaurant will in theory become a ‘restaurant with rooms’ and the guests that come to dine will then have the option to stay the night.

“As the proposal lies within an Area for Action where the strategic objective is for regeneration and enhancement, this change of use would bring a vacant property, which is sited in a prominent location on the main town square, back into use and therefore would align with these objectives.

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“When considering this proposed change of use I have considered possible Bad Neighbour Development (Policy BAD 1) however, as the property is detached (except for the restaurant below which is under the same ownership) it is considered that the proposal will not have an adverse effect on the amenity of neighbouring residents.

“Furthermore, as the property is located within the town centre there is a level of noise and activity which is to be expected.

“Given the proposed location is within the town centre, and the area environmental health manager is satisfied with the proposals, it is considered that the development accords with this policy.”

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