A FORMER church in Pollokshields which became a care home and children’s nursery can be turned into flats, planners have agreed.

The B-listed premises on Shields Road at Nithsdale Road will be turned into 17 flats under the plan which as been approved by Glasgow City Council.

There will be part-demolition of two rear extensions which will be replaced with a new extension three-storey extension.

The building was formerly Pollokshields West Church and was constructed between 1875 and 1879.

Officials stated in their decision report: “The proposal will reuse a vacant listed building and bring it back into residential use. The proposal will preserve the special character of the listed building.

“The proposal would have a positive visual impact transforming the vacant building into high quality spacious flats for the local community and families. 

“The creation of 17 residential flats would have no greater impact than the care home and nursery on the amenity of existing residents. “

A statement submitted with the planning application explained: “The proposed design will maintain the key features of the listed building, and enhance its existing landscape setting, contributing to the quality of the townscape and enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

“Minimal alterations are proposed to the external elevations, with the design ethos for the conversion led by the retention of the existing architectural features.”

There will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.