A construction business has been given the go ahead to move into a former church on the condition it keeps building materials indoors.
Midlothian planners have approved a change of use for Gorebridge United Free Church building into offices, a showroom and storage for local businessman Rory Joyce’s firm.
But they have insisted that any materials connected to the business cannot be left outside to “safeguard the amenity of neighbours”.
The former church, which was put up for sale last year, sits in the middle of a residential area in the town.
Planning officers said the new business, which will have between three to five members of staff, plans to use its base for office administration, training and delivery and storage of materials in connection with the business.
They said: “The proposal will provide a sustainable re-use of an existing building and will enable an expanding local business to remain within Gorebridge.
“The nature of the use and the scale of the building will ensure that there will be no detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties.
“The site is located in a predominantly residential neighbourhood on a key approach into the centre of Gorebridge. To safeguard the amenity of neighbours and the character and amenity of the surrounding are it would be reasonable to attach conditions to the decision notice to control external waste storage and to ensure that no materials are stored externally.”
Mr Joyce who runs his family business in Gorebridge lost a planning battle to operate on a site at the town’s Ashbank previously despite taking it to appeal.
The new site received no objections and has been approved.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
