Old school solution for homeless

A former primary school in the heart of historic Stirling is to be converted into accommodation units for homeless people.

Stirling Council said the £1.1m plan would provide temporary accommodation for up to 15 adults and children.

The authority's planning panel has given the go ahead for 10 flats to be built at the former Holy Trinity School at St Mary's Wynd, Top of the Town.

The project is due to be completed in 2009.

Planning panel chairman, Alasdair MacPherson, said the decision to convert the building was reached after extensive consultation with locals.

He said: "The redevelopment of the former Holy Trinity School building into much needed temporary homeless accommodation is an excellent use of a derelict building in this conservation area.

"By agreeing to a further 10 homeless flats for the city centre we are making a real difference to those people affected by homelessness."

The homelessness unit will be maintained and managed by the council with an accommodation officer on site to look after the day-to-day running of the building.

The authority said that since its housing allocations policy was amended in January 2008, 56% of all council house allocations had been made to homeless applicants - an increase of 19%.