A FORMER Dumbarton church is set to be converted into homes despite several objections from local residents and a national body.

The application to turn the former United Reformed Church in Leven Street into 10 flats and parking spaces is tabled before West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

Planners have recommended councillors grant permission, but the report to committee members includes a series of objections from residents and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

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The category C-listed building occupies a prominent corner position at the junction with Glasgow Road. 

The building has been empty since it was last used as a church around five years ago.

The Greek revival-style church building dates from 1882. To the south of the church is a later additional extension containing offices and a hall.

The site is bounded by car parking to the west and south which is associated with Morrisons supermarket and a small block of flats. On the opposite side of Leven Street is Knoxland Primary School whilst to the north there are residential properties on the far side of Glasgow Road.

Planning permission is being sought for the church to be converted into a residential development containing 10 flats. 

According to the plans, within the church, there would be six, two-bed flats and two, three-bed flats. A further two, two-bed flats would be contained in the extension.

Parking will be provided at ground level with a total of 15 parking spaces provided.

It is also understood that West Dunbartonshire Council Roads Service has no objection subject to the provision of 15 parking spaces, cycle storage and the formation of a new vehicular access onto Leven Street. West

Dunbartonshire Council Environmental Health Service it is believed will also not be making any objections.

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SEPA has lodged an objection on the grounds that during a flood event, the roads permitting access to the building could potentially be flooded, thereby restricting access to and from the property. SEPA are also concerned that the building is being converted to a more sensitive use, church to residential, in an area that is at risk of flooding.

Two objections from residents express concern that there could be damage caused to nearby buildings during construction and disruption will be caused by construction traffic.