Planning application good for St Stephen’s well-being

Jul 19 2012 by Katy Gordon, Blairgowrie Adv

A DISUSED Blairgowrie school could be given a new lease of life if planning officials give the go ahead.

The mothballed St Stephen’s RC Primary School has sat empty since June 2009, when it was replaced by the Blairgowrie Community Campus. However, a planning application submitted to Perth and Kinross Council this week could see the b-listed building brought back into use.

Applicant Nigel Cowley hopes to see the former John Street school turned into a “wellbeing centre” with tearoom.

In his application, Mr Cowley states that the change of use would “regenerate the built environment, protect and preserve it for future”; “improve visual impact in local area, bring a redundant building back into circulation”; “contribute to the local economy, make a significant contribution to job creation, encourage and support the creation, development and growth of businesses”; “provide a well designed sustainable place to encourage the development of supportive communities”; and “increase tourism”.

The centre, if given the go-ahead, would be used for classes in yoga, tai chi; complementary therapies; and arts.

A floor plan attached to the application shows that the two former classrooms would be turned into halls, with the assembly hall in the middle retained.

The staff room, cloak room, library and storage space would all be converted into treatment rooms.

Due to the building’s b-list designation, the application is also subject to listed building consent.

The former school is currently the property of the Dunkeld Diocese.