New lease of life for former Bank of Scotland branch in centre of Aviemore
Plans for a cafe and retail store have been approved for the former Bank of Scotland branch in Aviemore.
Forres businessman Mr Ali had been granted permission to add an extension to the building on Grampian Road as part of the redesign.
This will accommodate an accessible toilet. Windows and doors on the front and side elevations will also be replaced.
The new extension - measuring around three metres long by 1.8 metres wide and 1.7m in height - is at the rear of the ex-bank branch facing the car park and railway line.
Highland Council planning officer Sile Tang stated: “The proposed development can be accommodated within the site without impacting negatively upon the amenity of neighbouring properties.
“The alteration and extension are considered subservient to the existing building.
“The proposed development will improve the accessibility of the existing building and quality of building for people.
“The existing parking space and site access will not be affected as a result of this proposed development.”
The development work needs to be started within three years as part of the planning conditions.
Approval was granted under delegated powers by Highland Council’s planning officers.
The Bank of Scotland branch in Aviemore closed last summer and was the end of an era for High Street banking in the strath.
It had been the last remaining branch when there had been as many as eight local branches at the turn of the 2000s.
