Arnold Clark win Botanic Garage battle
February 12 2010
It shows a red sandstone residential block rising behind the restored 1911 façade of green and white terracotta. An existing garage annexe will be retained to the east.
Arnold Clark (AC) stated in their report that the A listed structure had deteriorated badly since Clark purchased the building in 1968.
The battered structure now suffers from loose tiles, corroded structural steel and an eroded concrete façade and floors. A situation that could deteriorate further, AC argued, if no economic use could be found.
The council had to be convinced that the listed building was incapable of repair or not of special interest or essential to the delivery of wider benefits or that repair was not economically viable.
The scheme will incorporate enhanced landscaping along Vinicombe Lane together with basement parking, retail, restaurant, office space and 20 flats.
4 Comments
#1 Posted by Lagonda on 12 Feb 2010 at 15:57 PM
That's unbelievably shocking. Not much of historic interest left there is there? A Grade A listed building. The owners refused to allow the building to be put up for sale, the planning report to councillors was full of holes in order to facilitate this over-development, and it is to be hoped Historic Scotland calls this in for thorough scrutiny.
#2 Posted by Veyron on 12 Feb 2010 at 16:00 PM
If the facade isn't of much interest, maybe it should be torn down too.
#3 Posted by Lagonda on 12 Feb 2010 at 16:42 PM
No, wrong answer. This needs to be properly scrutinised. The planning report was full of holes, and that's a bad development.
#4 Posted by Sekel on 18 Feb 2010 at 17:44 PM
This is a hugely disappointing outcome. The compelling argument for allowing development arrises from a lack of care and maintenance of this A listed structure which the owner is duty bound to maintain.
As always there is the presumption of a lack of wider benifit so go with the narrowest benefit.
As always there is the presumption of a lack of wider benifit so go with the narrowest benefit.
Post your comments
Read next: Last resort plan for John O’Groats
Read previous: Does the Riverside Museum appeal to you?
Back to February 2010
Like us on Facebook
Become a fan and share
News Archive
Search News
Features & Reports
For more information from the industry visit our Features & Reports section.