A FORMER bookmakers on Helensburgh seafront is set for a facelift after planning permission was granted for a new shopfront.

The former William Hill premises at 9 West Clyde Street have lain vacant since the bookmakers left a number of years ago.

But Karl Giarchi’s plans for a new shopfront have been approved by Argyll and Bute Council planning officers, although there is no indication of a new tenant moving in.

Only one objection to the proposal was lodged, relating to the use of public funding. Officers deemed the concerns not to be a relevant planning consideration.

In a handling report on the application, a council officer said: “Due to the lack of maintenance and poor quality repairs referred to above, this particular unit has been selected as a priority building repair project under the Helensburgh Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

"This grant enables works for the fabric repair to the exterior of the buildings."

Under the CARS scheme, £2 million is being made available by the council and Historic Environment Scotland to improve priority buildings in the centre of the town.

A planning application for another priority building in town under the CARS initiative - 1, 3 and 5 Colquhoun Street and 25-26 West Clyde Street - was approved by local authority officials at the end of last year.

Those works will include repairs to stonework, lead and the slate roof as well as to cast iron rainwater goods, associated timber repairs, rot works on the roof and the installation of new windows, door and roof lights.

The CARS priority buildings – identified by the council in February 2022 – are at 5-7 East Clyde Street, 17-19 West Clyde Street, 25/26 West Clyde Street, and 5 Colquhoun Street.

On the former William Hill store application, the official who dealt with the case continued: "All the proposed works represent an improvement to the appearance and fabric of the building and will have a positive impact upon the character and appearance of the conservation area and the town centre.

“The council's vision is to make our main towns better places to live and the works to prominent town centre buildings are consistent with that vision.

"The application is therefore entirely consistent with the relevant provisions of the development plan and is recommended for approval.”

The officer added: “It is evident that investigation into the shopfront’s current defects has been undertaken diligently and that the proposal has been formulated with the aims of bringing the shopfront back into good order with the reinstatement of its traditional appearance.

“It is considered that the proposed high quality design would successfully uplift the aesthetic of the current shopfront thereby enhancing the character of the conservation area.”