Plans for houses at ancient site raise concern

Plans for new houses near the ancient Clickimin Broch in Lerwick have been met with objections.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is concerned by plans to build four houses next to Westerloch Drive and another 25m from the broch.

Applications were submitted to Shetland Council late last year by Raymond Slater.

Agent Farningham Planning Ltd claims the developments would not adversely affect the Bronze Age broch or the “integrity of its setting”.

Four detached homes would be on a corner of grassland in front of the broch, 130m southwest of the site, and the applicant is keen for all

“This would significantly affect the sense of place”

to have driveways onto Westerloch Drive.

The other application is for permission in principle to demolish a derelict agricultural building 25 metres south-east of the broch and build a new home.

HES looks after the broch and says the developments would have a “significant adverse impact”.

It said the plans would be “contrary to both national and local policies for protecting the historic environment”.

In reference to the single home, HES said the new building would be larger than the old one, with a “significant impact on views to and from” the broch.

It added: “This, with the proposed change of land use within the overall application boundary from agricultural to garden ground, would significantly affect the sense of place.”

Local archaeologist Val Turner said there is a “strong possibility of significant archaeological finds” still to be made in the area.