Fife community hall to become holiday let
and live on Freeview channel 276
Stephen Memorial Hall in Culross was sold off last year to Gardenfield Properties, a firm run by Balerno man Simon Dormer.
He has successfully applied for permission to repurpose it as self-catering holiday accommodation, and carry out refurbishment works on the C-listed building, including roof repairs and fitting new windows.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn planning documents submitted to Fife Council, he argued that the conversion would "contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Culross" through the creation of new visitor accommodation.
Despite nine objections from villagers, planners recommended approval to the Kingdom's central and west planning committee.
Locals are concerned that tourists will park on the narrow street outside the hall rather than using the nearby public car parks.
Officers said that was a responsibility for holidaymakers, rather than an issue for them to legislate on.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe committee approved the application with one condition attached, requiring Dormer to provide details of the new window fittings prior to installation.
Culross Community Council, while supportive of the sale of the building to ensure its continued use, has not expressed an opinion on the plan.
However, it did submit comments in which it asked for refurbishment works to be well-managed and avoid disrupting locals.
Stephen Memorial Hall was built in 1883 as a Sunday school and was latterly used as a creche and community hall.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt was declared surplus by the council in 2019 and attempts to sell it for continued community use were unsuccessful.
A sale price has not been revealed but property listings suggested asking prices ranging from £35,000 to 50,000.