A DECISION to refuse plans to convert the disused grade II listed library in Painswick into four dwellings has been upheld on appeal.

An appeal was lodged by applicant Jim Ruddy after Stroud District Council refused the plans for the Old Library in Stroud Road, Painswick in October last year.

The development proposed was for the “proposed change of use and conversion of a disused library building to form four new dwellings and parking spaces, the demolition of existing outbuildings and the provision of a new pedestrian route between the church and the Stroud Road public car park”.

An application for listed building consent was also refused by the council and dismissed on appeal.

Planning permission and listed building consent were granted in March 2013 for the conversion of the building into flats.

Work has started but the applicant sought amendments.

Planning inspector Elaine Benson said in her report that the main issue was the effect on the special architectural and historic interest of the building.

The property is part of a listed group comprising a former school and two adjoining houses built around 1846.

Concluding her report, Ms Benson wrote: “I have had regard to all other matters raised including the comments of local residents, representatives of St Mary’s Church and those of the Painswick Valleys Conservation Society and Painswick Parish Council.

“None of the comments, including those in support of the proposals, are sufficient to outweigh the concerns I have identified.

“For the reasons given the appeals are dismissed.”

Ms Benson said the group of buildings were a key part of the architecture of the townscape at the entrance to Painswick.