Permission granted for flats in former Aberdeen bank

The upper floors of the property at 480 Union Street will be converted into a variety of one and two-bedroom properties by Neil Rothnie Architects on behalf of Baxel Limited.

Clydesdale Bank, the former tenant, had been marketing the entire building for lease as office space for a number of years.

But planning application agent Ryden said there was “limited interest and the space was kept in very poor condition”.

It was then decided to attempt to create residential space to better suit market demands.

Aberdeen City Council has been working hard to create more residential property within the city centre in an effort to increase vibrancy and boost the economy.

In planning documents submitted to the local authority, the architects have stressed that no alterations will be made to the historic granite facades on the building, which lies within the Union Street Conservation Area.

A statement from Neil Rothie Architectures reads: “This is an excellent location for residential use, being right in the heart of the city and, as such, well connected to a wide array of local amenities.

“A number of residential flats have been established within the city centre, with a significant number to upper floors on Union Street, showing a want for this form of property.”

The council granted planning permission for the development, stating in their decision notice: “It should be noted that the council’s city centre masterplan encourages the re-use of vacant upper floor space in buildings lining Union Street, which adds material weight to the acceptance of residential use in this location.

“Noise and odour mitigation measures, as well as well-proportioned rooms served by reasonably sized windows and adequate outlooks, would enable prospective residents to obtain an adequate level of residential amenity mindful of the site’s city centre context situated on a busy public thoroughfare.”