PLANS to convert two retail units and a pub into housing units in Ardrishaig have been turned down by council chiefs.

The proposal would have seen the premises at 89-93 Chalmers Street developed into four residential flats.

No representations, expressing either support or objection, were received from the public by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning officers.

But the proposal, submited by Mr H. Wylie, was turned down on the grounds that it was not felt to be consistent with the local development plan for the area.

An officer said in a handling report: “The current proposal is for a five-storey building to replay the existing three storeys. This would have a significant change to the streetscape.

“The application building in its current scale, is not capable of providing the proposed development without substantial extension and alterations which would be detrimental to the character of the building.

“The significant concern relates to the overall scale and massing to be achieved in relation to the established streetscene.

“The street is made up of two and three storey high buildings with the proposed being a five storey on a prominent corner plot of the mixed-use development area.

“The existing character of the host building and the wider street scene would also be materially harmed by the scale, number and proximity of window openings along the front elevation, creating a cramped fenestration arrangement.

“It is therefore considered that the proposed development by virtue of its scale, massing and design would not be in keeping with the streetscene in that it would dominate the neighbouring properties to the detriment of the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area.”

The officer added: “The proposed extension to the rear of the building to provide the access tower would be poorly integrated into the form, character and appearance of the host building and its immediate setting.

“This extension, with its square massing and flat roof, fronts the Crinan Canal and in addition to being publicly visible, would also materially and detrimentally affect the setting of the Schedule Monument.”

They then concluded: “The proposal, whilst making use of an existing brownfield site, is not considered to represent an appropriate opportunity for redevelopment to four flatted residential units due to the significant alterations required to accommodate the number of flats, which in turn has a negative impact on the streetscene, character of the area and on the setting of the scheduled monument of the Crinan Canal.

“In reaching this view, it is acknowledged that the proposal would contribute towards housing supply (particularly in the context of the council declaring a housing emergency) and would bring back into use a long vacant site that due its present condition, currently makes a negative visual contribution in a prominent location.

“However, such factors would not outweigh the planning harm and resultant development plan conflict identified above.”