The B-listed St Stephen’s building in Blairgowrie closed its doors six years ago when classes moved into the town’s community campus.

The 19th Century John Street property could be turned into affordable homes, after a successful planning bid by Perth-based firm JR Brown Building Designs.

The company said the eight homes – seven one-bedroom flats and a studio apartment – would be aimed at people on Perth and Kinross Council’s housing list.

Paperwork submitted to the local authority stated that the outside of the building would be left mostly intact.

A spokesman told The Courier: “One feature of this conversion project is that very few alterations are required to the exterior of the building. Apart from the installation of disabled access ramps to comply with building regulations, the main external alteration is the installation of entrance doors in place of six large windows in the front elevation.”

Planners have now approved the proposal on the condition that work begins on-site within the next three years.

In his report, planning officer Richard Welch said: “The proposed scheme would provide eight affordable homes, making a contribution to the housing stock.

“The development would provide a new use for a vacant building at risk.”

The former playground will be used as a communal space with parking, while a dilapidated classroom block is to be removed.

The school dates from 1841 and was bought by the Catholic church in 1879. The council took over in 2009 when the community campus opened.

@PerthandKinross