Former Falkirk High Street Burtons to become mix of flats and shops

The distinctive C-listed building on the corner of the High Street and Kirk Wynd was built in 1904 as the Railway Hotel but has been empty for two years now.

Now, developers Bellair have been given permission to give it new life, with planners agreeing that the plans would see a sympathetic restoration of the historic property.

In their report, they say that the conversion will preserve and enhance the town centre conservation area and the proposals are of a high design quality.

One letter of objection was received, from someone concerned about the loss of period features including the attic stairs and doors.

However, the planning officers noted that the stairs – along with the rest of the upper floors – were in very poor condition, as very little maintenance had been done.

However, one of the conditions of the permission will be that several of the original doors will be re-used in the flats that will be created.

Another condition is that external repair work to the sandstone building will be done very carefully using matching stone, while the new windows are also expected to closely match the originals.

More properties in the area are expected to follow suit as housing in the town centre is now encouraged, replacing the retail that is steadily leaving High Street locations.