A HISTORIC church in Millport is to get a major overhaul after council bosses gave the go-ahead to convert it into luxury flats.

Cumbrae Parish Church in Bute Terrace will be transformed into six residential homes in a multi-million pound project.

The building has been earmarked for a range of one, two, three and four bedroom homes on the provision that three parking spaces and a turning area are provided prior to the first occupation of the development.

Plans also detail that 'every effort' will be made to protect the character of the early 19th century category 'C' listed building and take advantage of its distinct features by retaining and preserving the detailed mouldings, Gothic tracery windows, Tudor-arch doorways and exposed masonry margins.

Concerns had been raised by residents that the suggested three parking spaces would not be enough to offset the already busy street.

A North Ayrshire Council planning spokesperson said said: "We had requested that consideration be given to the removal of mature trees and the listed wall to the side of the building.

"Following discussions with the planning team it was deemed inappropriate to remove such features.

"It is noted that there is demand for on street parking at this location, the increased demand from this development is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on the operation of the road.

"Creating additional parking to the south-west side of the building would require the demolition of part of the front stone boundary wall and would require the felling of several mature trees in order to create the parking and turning area.

"This would negatively impact upon the character of the listed building."

The development will see two one bedroom flats on the ground floor, all of which will have a dining, living, kitchen area and a bathroom.

The largest will be a four bedroom home which will span across the three floors, with separate kitchen, living, office, bathroom and dining room on the ground floor, two double bedrooms with en suites on the first floor and two double bedrooms and a toilet on the second level.

Two three bedroom homes are also included within the development's first floor.

The church was closed in December 2015 due to the deterioration of the wood and fabric and has been vacant since.

It was the sale of the church manse, together with some generous donations, and ongoing fundraising events, which helped to fund the building of the new church on the island.