A “PROMINENT” listed building in Dollar could be turned into flats, despite objections from the local community council.

Proposals to convert the former Castle Campbell Hotel into 11 flats will go before Clackmannanshire Council’s Planning Committee tomorrow (Thursday, June 21).

Business at the category C Bridge Street site ceased in 2014 with council documents saying the evidence is that “there is no realistic prospect of an ongoing hotel use being re-established” and that there are no signs that other commercial uses would be viable.

The paper coming to the chamber at Kilncraigs added: “The proposals would secure the sensitive restoration of a currently vacant and dilapidated prominent listed building with Dollar Conservation Area.”

The 11 flats would include one with three bedrooms, two with two bedrooms, while the rest would all be one-bedroom properties.

It is recommended by officers that a number of conditions are placed on the plans, including a £12,000 contribution towards school education and £2,750 for public art.

Dollar Community Council objected to the plans, saying the site should remain commercial, rather than being turned into a residential property.

The organisation raised concerns over a “precedent being set by change of use of licensed premises to residential”.

The objection went on to say: “A hotel can serve tourists and the community and should be retained, particularly as the community will expand in the future.”

However, as outlined above, the council believes retaining it as a business is not realistic.

Other households, around 20 of them, objected on the same grounds while it was also highlighted that the building was previously used by community groups, which now have limited options, especially if Dollar Civic Centre closes.

A proposed change of use at the Dollar Arms was turned down in 2007, shortly after its closure, and it has remained vacant ever since.

An objector believed it would be possible to retain a part of the building for business use or self-catering units.

The planning service asked the applicant to explore this option with the documents adding: “A surveyor has highlighted barriers to this in the form of the elevated position of ground floor windows above street level and the physical barrier that steps present to customers of any retail premises.”

Furthermore, council officers argue there is no demand for office spaces in Dollar and a commercial premises would have to be completely separated from residential units – something that is not only likely to be costly, but would “also impact on the historic fabric of the building”.

Five parties supported the plans – some were in agreement that it is unlikely anyone would reopen it as a hotel, while others welcomed investment in the vacant building.