Watchdog opposes Highland home plan
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has put the kibosh on plans to turn an old Perth and Kinross Council store into a house.
The local authority recently received a proposal to turn its old store in Crieff Road in Aberfeldy, which is in the town’s conservation area, into a home by recreating a first floor and forming a number of new openings for windows.
But noting the B-listed building had previously been used for agricultural purposes HES said in its appraisal of the application it ought to be preserved so that its “contribution to the understanding of the site are better understood in future”.
It told PKC:“Historic maps indicate that this building may pre-date the 1903 bank on Bank Street which became the library and area offices.
“As such, it may have been built for a house occupying this site in the late 19th century which would explain the reason for having a stable and hay loft to the rear of a bank.
“We are of the view that the proposed alterations would have an adverse impact on the building’s character.
“We recommend that these are revisited to better preserve the building’s agricultural character so that both the building and its contribution to the understanding of the site are better understood in future.”
The council’s conservation officer concurred, saying in her report on the proposal:“I would agree with the HES assessment that the proposed conversion is likely to detract from the character and interest of the building.
“The number of proposed new window openings should be reduced, particularly the two new first floor windows on the south west elevation, and the full height opening at ground floor level on the north west elevation.
“Given the simplicity of the building, even small scale alterations and additions could be detrimental to its character.”
The application was rejected by a PKC officer last week. She wrote in her report:“The extensive changes proposed to the building have an adverse impact on its character which in turn impacts on ... the wider conservation area setting.”