Firm wants to raze building

evolution of what would have been a high status medieval site into a late Victorian farmstead which has remained relatively intact.

“The proposed scheme would largely obliterate the distinctive character of the site.”

But architect Kerry Smith has argued listing the farmhouse will “block” Muir Homes from creating a “different” and “better” environment for Auchterarder Castle in appeal papers sent to the government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA)

She has told the DPEA: “The distinctive character of the site has already been obliterated as there is already a sea of houses right up to and around the farm, including the loss of the front wall and garden.

“I would disagree that the action of listing the farmhouse and the castle is going to somehow save the distinctive character of the whole site.”

Ms Smith continues: “The danger is that by listing the farmhouse, which has no curtilage or boundary anymore, it will block the quality of a future development which could centre itself naturally on the castle itself.

“Th e c u r re nt b u i l t environment around the castle is neither beautiful on its own merit nor well thought out in terms of the building arrangements..

“I propose there is an opportunity to retain the building that has been a scheduled monument since 1951 [Auchterarder Castle] and create a different environment for it that is greener and better than the one it is in.

“By enabling more space to create a new courtyard area, the castle could gain some protection from the whole housing estate, rather than floating in it along with the farmhouse.”

She adds: “At one time the house and garden probably did have a historic value sitting in the complete context of farmland, gardens, castle and farm.

“As there are already new houses built right up to the edges of the farmhouse, the whole integrity of the site has been compromised.”

The appeal is ongoing.