Autism support centre at Former Police Station, Kirkcudbright

What was proposed

The former police station would become an autism drop-in centre, specialist flat and holiday unit, with workshops and a computer room in other buildings.

“PUBLIC PUBLIC 1.3 Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the former police station to form a drop-in centre at ground-floor level, a flatted dwelling at first-floor level, the formation of a single holiday accommodation unit within the cell block extension, the formation of four workshops and a shared kitchen and toilet space within the block of garages, and the formation of a computer room with toilet and associated plant within the former mortuary building.”

“External alterations to the main building include the blocking up of a single first- floor window opening on the eastern elevation, the formation of three window openings at ground-floor level on the eastern elevation (all serving toilets), the formation of a new door opening at ground-floor level on the western elevation, the installation of two air source heat pumps to the flat-roof of the holiday accommodation unit (one to serve the holiday accommodation unit and one…”

Officer report

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified for the site.

“There is no relevant planning history at the application site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would reuse vacant buildings and was considered compatible with local character, amenity, access and heritage.

“PUBLIC PUBLIC 4.4 The proposals represent the reuse of a prominently located former police station and associated ancillary buildings within Kirkcudbright Conservation Area, which is understood to have lain vacant since 2020. The policy intent of Policy 9 of NPF4 is to encourage, promote and facilitate the reuse of brownfield, vacant and derelict land and empty buildings, with such buildings and spaces regenerated to improve wellbeing and transform our places.”

“The principle of repurposing vacant buildings is generally acceptable, but care must be taken to ensure that the use or uses proposed are compatible with the character and amenity of the area within which the buildings are located, and that the proposals do not conflict with nearby land uses, as set out in criterion a) of LDP2 Policy OP1.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The roads, environmental health, archaeology and water services raised no objections, with conditions requested for parking and photographic recording.

“Council Roads Team – No objections subject to a condition in respect of parking.”

“Council Environmental Health – No objections.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the applicant, while an objector who was due to speak was unavailable.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved application 25/1584/FUL subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“APPROVED application 25/1584/FUL subject to conditions as detailed in the report.”

Minutes