Castlehill Church owner Doctor Charlie Easmon hopes to convert the building into a home within two years

THE owner of a prominent building on High Street has been granted planning permission to transform it into a luxurious new home.

Last May, London-based Doctor, Charlie Easmon, revealed plans for Castlehill Church, and having now been given the go-ahead by Moray Council, is now looking forward to retiring to the building once fully converted.

He said: “I’m in no hurry for the conversion as it will take at least two years to fully retire from my clinical practice in London. I hope not longer than two years!”

The once-grand B-listed building was built as a United Presbyterian Church in 1870, but was closed as a place of worship in the late 20th century. It was converted in the late 1970s or early 1980s and used by the wider community as a church hall until it was closed for good in 2005. At that point, Irishman Aaron Hill took it on, but he gave up on the project due to ill health. The site was bought in 2010 by Wales-based health practitioner, Claire Love, who wanted to develop it as a centre for the community. However, it was put up for sale again for £180,000 three years later after she failed to get match funding.

Castlehill Church’s roof was at risk because its west wall collapsed – leaks led to rotting timbers and other structural damage. And hundreds of pigeons were able to roost inside. However, the roof has been fixed and Pest Control Scotland have removed the pests.

Dr Easmon added: “The spire has been made safe. The west wall will be reviewed by new surveyors before any work can start. The gutters, roofing and a mini tree-like structure that may have roots need work!”

Dr Easmon plans to make full use of the ample space inside and convert downstairs into a two-bedroom flat

He said: “It will be a place to display art, furniture and sculpture, as well as a warm home for friends and family. The mezzanine floor will be a master bedroom.”