PLANS to convert a space that used to be a beauty salon in Paisley into a “contemporary” tattoo studio have been approved by Renfrewshire Council.

An application was submitted to the local authority for the site at 12 Forbes Place after the previous occupant About You Health and Beauty Centre decided to relocate.

Applicant David O’Neill has been given the relevant permissions – covering listed building and conservation area consents – for internal alterations to the ground floor commercial unit.

A design statement submitted with the application said the planned changes for the property, which forms part of a B-listed building, would return it to “a somewhat more original state”.

It explained: “We are looking to renovate the interior of 12 Forbes Place into an elegant, contemporary tattoo studio that will also capture the original character of the building.

“The design will see the existing small interior rooms removed, thus reverting to the open plan space that existed 30 years previously.

“Depending on what is discovered during the renovations we would seek, if possible, to restore and expose the original ceiling which has been hidden by a lowered ceiling for some time.

“This would also restore the high room height that this era of building is known for.

“We feel these alterations will return the property to a somewhat more original state. If this is not possible, we would replace the existing lowered ceiling.

“We also plan to use brick tiles along one wall, but preferably expose the actual brick wall underneath the existing plasterwork, again allowing the fabric and character of the building to come into the design.

“All flooring, radiators, fixtures and fittings will be sympathetic to the overall classic yet modern design.”

A letter to the applicant, signed by Alasdair Morrison, the council’s head of economy and development, confirmed the application had been approved.

The report of handling said: “It is concluded that the proposals in this case will have no adverse impact on the special historic or architectural interest of the listed building in this case and may indeed have a positive impact in restoring certain elements of its original character.”