Having had her plans refused against
recommendation by elected members at Wigtown Area Committee level, Mrs Keel appealed to the Scottish Government. They sent a reporter to inspect the site and this week he found in her favour.
A relieved Mrs Keel said: "Thankfully, in the end, commonsense has prevailed. Now is the time for the hard work."
Mrs Keel's architect, Jim Brown, added: "I am delighted my client has won her planning appeal after battling so long to have her project approved and that the project is compatible with the Wigtown Local Plan which seeks to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation areas.
"The old church can now be rejuvenated to form three comfortable little houses."
The councillors had rejected the project, in Cowgate, on the grounds it would be over-development, would not provide adequate on-street parking and would not preserve the character and appearance of Garlieston Conservation Area.
But the Government's reporter said that as the development would not increase the size of the old church he did not consider it was over-development. Concerning the conservation objection, he dismissed this, saying the Cowgate had a "varied character".
Regarding the parking issue, he concluded: "No shortage of parking was evident during my visit on a weekday afternoon, though it appears likely that demand would increase in the evenings and on summer weekends. However, within the context of Garlieston as a whole, I do not consider that the additional parking demand would be sufficient to justify refusal of planning permission."
Chair of Wigtown Area Committee Graham Nicol said: "The applicant has gone through the system, and the reporter has found in Mrs Keel's favour, against the recommendations of local members. This is democracy at work."