A FORMER office building in Rothesay is set to be converted into short-term letting accommodation after council officers granted planning permission.

The proposal by CMC78 Ltd related to the site at 7-9 Castle Street, located near the town’s castle and ferry terminal.

The building has seen use in the past as the base for the island’s community radio station and for the Achievement Bute children’s charity.

No representations have been received from the public, and Argyll and Bute Council chiefs have now given the application the go-ahead.

An officer said in a handling report: “The application proposes the conversion of the buildings to three self-contained residential flats and one self-contained residential dwelling, and that these would be used for short-term letting accommodation.

“The application does not specify the nature or expected duration of the intended lettings.

“The three flats would be within 7 Castle Street, and would each provide two-bedroom accommodation. 9 Castle Street would be a self-contained dwelling providing two bedrooms.

“The application indicates that outdoor space would be shared between the units (communal).

“The proposal would provide short-term letting accommodation. Although this has not been specified in more detail this could include tourist lettings.

“The use would also provide some economic activity through servicing of the units, for example, albeit likely at a lower level of activity than an office use.

“It is within an accessible location being edge of town centre and is compatible with other surrounding mix of uses.

“The development would provide an economic use which would support the ongoing condition of the listed building, which in turn contributes positively to the conservation area, bringing a building back into use.”