By Kaiya Marjoribanks

Copyright dailyrecord

Plans to turn a city centre landmark former church building in Stirling into a buffet restaurant have been approved by councillors. B-listed, Allan Park Church South on Dumbarton Road was built in 1867. But several years ago it was closed and its congregation merged with other local churches. At a meeting of the council’s planning panel this morning (Tuesday) councillors gave the go-ahead to Hot World Cuisine Ltd to convert the building into a ‘world buffet restaurant’ – with more than 200 covers/seats – after hearing it could help safeguard the future of the prominent structure and create around 50 jobs. The members voiced some concerns over potential parking issues and lamented that the building, like many others, was no longer being used as a church. But they also pointed out that there were already some broken windows and vandalism concerns and that overall it would be positive to see the building given what would hopefully be a stable and permanent use. Council planners also gave assurances that the listed status should ensure that any special features of historic or architectural interest would be preserved. The original part of the building is expected to be used as a world buffet restaurant, while an extension part would be used as a separate burger restaurant. Kings Park Community Council had objected to the proposal on the grounds of limited parking along Dumbarton Road, as well as potential negative impact of the increased visitors to the local area. However, roads officials had lodged no objections subject to some conditions and said the city centre offered good active travel networks as well as routes to public transport. A total of 10 representations were lodged in response to the proposals, six of them objections. Some objectors felt there was no demand for the proposal and that the building would be better used as a facility for community groups.