Farmhouse saved after developer bid fails
of Auchterarder Castle, which lie next to the farmhouse.
Muir Homes had proposed to demolish the farmhouse so workers could build 12 new houses in its place.
However DPEA reporter Richard Hickman has since decided the building has “considerable architectural interest” and dismissed the company’s appeal.
He said in his decision notice: “The two building elements [ Castlemains Farmhouse and Auchterarder Castle] complement each other.
“I agree with HES that they are of special architectural or historic interest, both individually and taken together.
“I conclude that retention of the farmhouse is very desirable due to the intrinsic interest of the building (especially the interior) and because it contributes to the architectural and historic interest of the group.
“Conversely its removal would be a significant loss and would detract from the residual interest of the group.”
Addressing the Strathearn Heritage Trust’s related request to reinstate the remains of Auchterarder Castle as a scheduled monument, Mr Hickman added: “I can understand the wish of the Strathearn Heritage Trust to seek the maximum level of protection for an interesting historic feature within their area.
“However HES has the statutory responsibility for making scheduling decisions and has the specialist expertise to do so.
“It has assessed the importance of the ... remains within a national perspective, on the basis of the current assessment procedure.
“It has concluded that the remains of the castle do not meet the criterion of national importance and hence cannot be scheduled.
“On this basis, I accept that HES has taken the appropriate course of action in removing the castle remains from the monument schedule and instead adding them to the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, along with the farmhouse.
“For the above reasons, I conclude that Castlemains Farmhouse, along with the remains of the castle, should be included in the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, and that the appeal should be dismissed.
“I have taken account of all the matters raised, but they do not alter my conclusion.”