Guest house conversion at Tower Guest House, Stornoway Isle Of Lewis

“Background 5.1 This Report relates to an application for planning permission, registered as valid on 24 March 2025, for a change of use from guest house to house, and other works to the curtilage and associated buildings at the Category C listed former Tower Guest House, 32 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.”

“Description of development 5.3 This application seeks planning permission to change the use of the building from a guest house to a house and includes partial demolition of the existing rear boundary wall to widen the existing access and create a parking area. Other associated works involve the installation of a retaining structure within the rear curtilage to address level variations, both current and proposed.”

“Description of site and its context 5.5 The application site extends to approximately 570sqm, encompassing the entire curtilage of the building at 32 James Street. The application site is located at a corner site where James Street meets Matheson Road. The site consists of the main building, the current rear annexe, large garden grounds, currently largely excavated.”

“The building is Category C Listed, reference LB41701, making it a building of local importance. The listing describes the property as dating from 1885. It is a crow-stepped villa on a street corner site, two-storeys with attic, and a 3-bay L-plan frontage with crenelated entrance tower. The external façade is squared rubble and dressings, with painted detail, and at the time of listing contained some modern glazing and some original sash windows and a slate roof.”

“Comhairle Roads, Bridges and Streetlighting 9.3 Dropped kerbs to be extended on the footpath to suit the widened access. Works to be carried out in accordance with Drawing 25/00044.”

“Comhairle Archaeology Service 9.4 The Archaeology Service put forth comment noting a number of points, including: recommending that this boundary is retained, however if it is subject to modification it should aim to retain its current form and finish; parking area should aim to reinstate the revetted character of the former garden in a sympathetic manner; appreciated that the use of solar panels is beneficial in energy saving; however, the proposed placement on the front…”

“Further third parties including notifiable neighbours commented on the following matters: − Object to the proposed demolition of the boundary wall. We believe it provides privacy for residents on Garden Road and for the future residents of the Tower Guest House. − We believe the height and external appearance of the existing boundary wall is an important part of the visual amenity, character and built heritage of Garden Road as a conservation area.”

“− Raise concern regarding the removal of the boundary wall on Garden Road in its entirety, for the creation of a parking area, as this will reduce parking available. − This wall is an integral part of the aesthetics of both this property and the overall Stornoway conservation area. − If access to the property is required to be extended, removal of a limited amount of wall would help maintain the aesthetics of this historic conservation area.”

“The Chief Planning Officer submitted a Report concerning a planning application for the change of use from a guest house to a dwelling house, and various external and internal alterations at the former Tower Guest House, 32 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that the application was considered by the Appointed Officer to raise sensitive issues and was therefore referred to the Board for determination.”

“It was agreed to approve the planning application subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the Report.”