DERELICT Structures At Historic Lighthouse To Be Turned Into House
PLANS have been drawn up to turn rundown outbuildings at Cloch Lighthouse into a two-bedroom house.
A number of small extensions to one of the existing dwellings at the iconic location on Cloch Road, Gourock are also proposed including dining space, a porch, a conservatory and terrace.
The additional home is described as being “ancillary guest accommodation” for the main house.
A design document submitted by Benjamin Tindall Architects with the planning application states: “The lighthouse is B-listed, and significant as one of the most iconic lighthouses to have assisted boats navigating the Clyde for the purposes of leisure, trade, emigration, and war. By design, it dominates the views all around.
“The light-keeper’s housing and outbuildings are less significant. Their position below the road and its wall obscures the view, with only roofs, chimneys and gables visible.
“From the sea, the houses are set back and mostly hidden by the tower. The western wall and gable of the outbuildings are visible as part of the sea wall, but disguise their roofs behind.
“The client requires a practical layout suitable for day-to-day living. The layout is spread out and inconvenient for modern family life, with a sole upstairs bathroom and toilet, dark kitchen and primary living space tucked away on the roadside, and narrow link room.
“The brief is therefore to maximise views to the west and north, to brighten the gloomy first floor, and upgraded the fabric to modern standards of insulation and heating, as far as practical.
“A fully-glazed toughened glass extension is proposed on the north terrace to create a light-touch enclosed space from which to fully enjoy the wonderful coastal setting and skies during the frequent inclement weather.
“Due to the enclosing nature of the surrounding buildings, this will be barely visible from the principal entrance elevation.”
The statement continues: “Benjamin Tindall Architects intend all new works to be in keeping with the existing buildings in terms of scale, style, detail and materials.
“The principal entrance elevation remains relatively untouched, with modest alterations occurring on the less-visible seaward side.
“Massing and profile of the existing roofs essentially remains the same, whilst missing outbuilding roofs are reinstated exactly as before.
“Appropriate materials and detailing will be chosen, based on existing traditional examples. Materials will be sourced as locally and ecologically as possible. The use of reclaimed materials such as slate and stone will be given preference, and sustainable timbers specified for windows and doors.
“New extensions to the link, porch and outbuilding courtyard will be of more modern construction as appropriate to distinguish them from the historical buildings, yet still sympathetic in material, colour and scale.”
The application is pending consideration by Inverclyde Council planners.
