Dunblane listed lodge house to be refurbished

A listed lodge house in Dunblane is to be refurbished.

Stirling Council planners have granted planning and listed building consent for replacement of windows and doors, a new extension, installation of rooflights and new render and re-slating of C-listed Holmehill Lodge East.

Applicant Kathryne Ginoris wants to make internal and external alterations and make structural repairs.

Dunblane Community Council had told planners it was important that the listed building on the Perth Road was retained, restored and brought back into use.

The lodge was built around 1826 and is on a prominent corner site at the junction of Smithy Loan and Perth Road, set against a backdrop of trees.

In their decision, council planners said:“The property is currently empty, has been subjected to significant vandalism over the years and is now in a fragile condition with urgent works required to secure and stabilise all elements of the older building fabric, including seriously decayed stonework, timber structural elements and dampproofing.

“The main section of the listed property is single storey and features multi-gabled elevations, a dual pitched slate roof and flat-roofed wing to the rear.

“Due to concerns regarding damage to the original sandstone, the modern paint finish has now been removed and this has revealed accelerated decay to the underlying masonry.

“The building has an irregular plan with two later 20th century additions. The later extensions to the building were constructed in concrete blockwork and are in various states of disrepair.

“The various works proposed will be executed in a manner that is sympathetic to the original character of the listed building with all materials proposed being of high quality and finish and traditional in character.

“The works can be said to preserve the integrity of the listed building and its setting and, importantly, will bring this prominent building back into productive use. Equally, they will enhance and protect the character and appearance of the Dunblane Conservation Area.”