In Pictures: Glimpse inside flats planned in conversion of Falkirk church

Planning permission has been granted to turn Erskine Church into 15 flats.

Councillors approved what will be a “sensitive conversion" this week – and the news was welcomed by many who commented on our story.

There were concerns over the loss of what was once a place of worship, and some calls for it to be turned over to retail or even a pub to bring people into the town centre.

The gothic church, which sits at the corner of Hodge Street and Cockburn Street, is a Category 'C' listed building and the development will mean demolishing a kitchen annexe and incorporating a modern extension.

It was bought by businesswoman Gina Fyffe in 2014, the year after its congregation merged with Falkirk Old & St Modan's Parish Church.

She originally intended the building would be for community use, but the cost of its upkeep made that "financially non-viable" – and it will now become flats.

Commenting on the plans, Mhairi Crawford-Mckee said: “My parents were married there 62 years ago. I’m sure the flats will be lovely but there is very restricted parking around the building.”

Andrew Taylor noted: “Looks like a very interesting proposal from the planning submission, done by very good architects and with potential to provide some unique and distinctive homes. Great for the town. Let’s hope it comes to fruition.”

But its loss as a community facility was also lamented.

Local events organiser, Andrew Ure, said: “There is a serious lack of decent event space to run music, art and entertainment offerings for the local community.

"We approached them several times about using this venue but didn’t seem to be any desire to utilise it in a constructive manner. Now, alas ,it’s now to be more flats. As much as I love the building won’t go to waste I still find myself frustrated as I felt this offered so much potential.”

Landmark Falkirk town centre church to become flats