A planning application submitted to Renfrewshire Council for a new spa and spa garden at a plush hotel has been granted subject to conditions.

Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort is currently undergoing a substantial refurbishment programme as part of ongoing investment under new ownership.

The application was submitted in June and the council’s decision was issued yesterday (Thursday, October 3).

The plans proposed an extension and external alterations to leisure facilities to create a spa and the installation of a spa garden with associated swimming pools, terraces, pergolas and herbal warm rooms.

It also proposed the erection of an entrance canopy and porch, and external timber and stone walling effect cladding to the Barn (the former golfer's lodge), as well as the upgrading of an access track.

The Barn, which is set back from the existing spa facilities, is currently dilapidated.

The new spa will be created within the footprint of the existing building and will comprise a spa reception, eight treatment rooms, a wellbeing suite, fitness suite, sauna and indoor thermal pool.

The spa garden will be formed around the northwest corner of the spa building.

It will include a thermal pool, covered seating area and warm rooms with glazed facades.

Terraced lawn areas and a cold water swimming pond will also be formed to provide a "more natural swimming experience" for guests.

No objections to the application were received by the local authority.

In a pre-application discussion, Historic Environment Scotland advised that the spa building, golfer’s lodge and west garden currently detract from the setting of Mar Hall and proposals to improve the appearance of these buildings would be welcomed.

In the report of handling issued with the decision, the planning department said: “It is not considered that the proposal would result in any adverse impacts on the general character of the building or its visual appearance in terms of the surrounding rural landscape character or the listed building of the hotel.”

“It is considered that the proposed works would compliment the overall masterplan of the estate and would not alter the character of the building and would contribute towards the viability of the hotel,” they added.

Three conditions were attached to the planning department’s approval of the plans.

In the interest of the amenity of the area, one of these relates to the proposed external finishes and the plan for any external lighting.

A second condition relates to the carrying out of a site investigation report characterising the nature and extent of any soil, water and gas contamination within the site and any recommended remedial works.

This condition has been put in place by planners to ensure that the site is made suitable for its proposed used.

The final condition relates to actions demonstrate that works required to make the site suitable for use have been completed.