Developer hopes landmark building can be saved with flats project

The developer behind flats plans for the former Wellbrae Primary has expressed the hope that the landmark structure can be saved.

After a series of planning applications, including an unsuccessful bid to demolish the C-listed building, local firm Taylor Shepherd Homes received approval from Angus Council for conversion of the one-time North School into 16 flats.

Company director David Shepherd said the company had just completed a redesign of the proposal, for the same number of homes, which was due to go back before the council shortly.

As part of that process, a site inspection was carried out only last Friday, when the latest vandalism was evident after plywood was ripped from the boarded-up windows.

“There had been sporadic incidents, but there had been more problems in recent months since the school holidays,” Mr Shepherd said.

Structural engineers are now involved in determining what parts of the charred shell are safe, but the property remains too dangerous to enter.

“Some things will be done under emergency provisions and we are working with the council on that,” added Mr Shepherd, who was among those who watched the fire rip through the building.

“It is sad to see what has happened, but if it is possible to save anything we would hope to do that,” he said.

The height of the fire.