PLANS to convert a former Dollar hotel into flats has been approved by councillors, despite objections from the town’s community council.

Last week, Clackmannanshire Council’s Planning Committee gave the nod to the proposed development, which will turn the vacant Castle Campbell Hotel into 11 flats.

While councillors in the chamber echoed objectors’ sentiment that a hotel or alternative commercial use should be retained at the property, which has been derelict for around four years, they conceded that the current needs of the market mean trading there is not viable.

Beyond its own investigations, the council’s planning officers sought independent advice, which strengthened the view that the building has no viable future as a hotel or alternative business.

A number of councillors feared that if the application at the Bridge Street property was refused on the day, it could take years until new plans are proposed to bring the category C listed building back into use and that the structure would further deteriorate in the meantime.

The elected members' approval was almost unanimous, with Cllr Helen Lewis opposing the move as she felt it did not come at the right time in the grand scheme of things.

During the consultation process, 20 individuals and organisations objected to the plans, while five took the time to write to the council in support.

The committee heard from three objectors as well as the developer last Thursday, June 21, before the final decision was made.

Those against highlighted that plans are progressing to build hundreds of new homes and associated facilities on the land at Dollarfield Farm and New Field – and noted that relevant pre-planning community meetings had already taken place in March.

They felt that this would build new economic muscle in the area, tipping the local market in a positive direction; however, that process could take a while.

At the same time the developer confirmed that they would look to finish the conversion within three years, if not sooner.

During the debate, a number of councillors remarked that this was a difficult case.

They added that while there are efforts to boost tourism in the area, hotel use has been diminishing over the years.

Cllr Kenny Earle, who remarked the hotel was a “lovely place in its time”, said: “Now it’s a different time...We have no choice, it’s not coming back [into use as a hotel].”

Cllr Helen Lewis went against her SNP colleagues in an attempt to reject the plans, but found no allies in the chamber.

She said: “I just feel like it’s the wrong time to do it. I’m against it, looking at the bigger picture.”