Former Gourock nursing home could be converted into flats

The long-derelict former Queen’s Residential Home in Ashburn Gate could be converted into seven new flats, while a separate block at the side of the building containing six more flatted dwellings is also proposed.

The existing flat-roofed extension to the C-listed building would be demolished to make room for the new block.

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The nursing home closed in 2013 after the owners ran into financial difficulties and has since lain empty and increasingly derelict.

A previous plan for a similar development of 13 homes was given the green light by Inverclyde Council in September 2014, but no work was ever carried out, and that approval has since lapsed.

Those plans were lodged by the same applicants, L. Smith and H. Mulgrew, and the same architects, Stewart Associates of Largs, as the current proposal.

The design statement lodged with the new application is also the same as that for the previous plans 10 years ago.

The design statement adds: “The intention is to restore the category ‘C’ listed building by demolishing ancillary extensions and converting to residential use; to improve and restore the setting of the restored listed building; [and to] create a sympathetic but subordinate flatted new-build block (to assist in conversion funding) in a simple, contemporary style. 

“In order to recreate the original detached villa it is essential that the later extensions to the structure are demolished.

The building pictured before its closure as a residential home in 2013. (Image: Google Street View) “The building has suffered from significant internal alterations during its use as a hotel and a nursing home. This, in conjunction with roof leaks, timber deterioration and dampness, has resulted in much of the fabric requiring extensive repair.

“It is proposed therefore to substantially strip the interior to expose the masonry structure prior to carrying out structural repairs to maintain the integrity of the building.  It is intended to retain areas of special features within the building where appropriate.

“The new block has been designed to sit within the footprint of the existing extension whilst maximising the potential outlook from the site.

“The footprint has been carefully considered to provide good aspects from all apartments without dominating or creating over-looking issues for both the listed building and surrounding tenements.”

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The 2014 application attracted four objections from members of the public, citing concerns over parking provision and the privacy of neighbouring residents.

Both that application and the new proposal include provision for one parking space per flat, which the local authority official who dealt with the 2014 case deemed to be acceptable.

As with the previous plans 10 years ago, a separate application has also been lodged for consent to alter a listed building.

A council report on the approval of the 2014 plans stated: “The proposal would result in the original form of the listed building being restored, and the conversion to residential flats will have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the listed building.

“The proposed new build flatted block is considered acceptable in terms of design, density and with regard to the impact on the setting of the listing.”

A drawing showing the proposed new extension to the building. (Image: Stewart Associates/Inverclyde Council)

The new application has an ‘expiry date’ of December 3, and under standard planning regulations a decision is expected by mid-January.

The application and accompanying documents can be found at planning.inverclyde.gov.uk by searching for the reference code 24/0194/IC.