Dumbuck House Hotel could be stripped of its B-listed status – after plans were lodged to partially demolish the historic building.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is proposing to de-list the former Dumbarton hotel after receiving a request to remove it.
The public body says the Glasgow Road building has lost much of its historic character following renovations and no longer meets the criteria for listing.
West Dunbartonshire Council planning chiefs are however “strongly opposed” to the de-listing proposal.
HES has launched a consultation and is inviting submissions up until July 5.
It comes after Dunfermline-based Gateside Design made an application to West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) to demolish the property earlier this year.
According to HES, planning and listed building consent bids have now been lodged to partially bulldoze the building to convert the hotel to form eight flatted dwellings, with the building of four single storey houses, a security fence and gates.
The status of the applications are said to currently be ‘invalid on receipt’.
HES state that the applicant says there “is no possibility” of future reuse due to the current economic climate and that he fabric of the property is “now in a poor state” and will worsen through time.
Two years ago, Devilla Property Services bought the iconic venue, which operated as a restaurant, bar and hotel before shutting down during the pandemic.
The building was built as Dumbuck House, in the early 19th century (between 1814 and 1829) as a mansion for the Geils family.
It was listed in 1971 but following a visit by HES chiefs in January, they say it should no longer carry that status following significant alterations.
A spokesperson for HES confirmed: “We received a request to remove the listing status of Dumbuck Hotel in September 2022.
“After carefully assessing the case, we have found that the building no longer meets the criteria for listing.
“This is a relatively common building type and the former hotel has lost much of its historic character.
“We are therefore proposing to remove the listing, and are formally consulting on the proposed removal until Wednesday, July 5.”
Explaining its decision, HES state in the report that although it retains some of its early features, alterations in the late 20th and early 21st century has “significantly affected its modest classical style and historic character”.
Chiefs add: “These alterations include the removal of the columned porch and the addition of the large central porch and the flanking four-light bay windows.
“The exterior form and footprint of the building has been substantially altered in the later 20th century with a number of additions and alterations to the rear ranges. Internally the building has been extensively remodelled, and the early 19th century plan form is largely lost.
“The building has been altered to such an extent that it has lost a significant amount of its early 19th century historic features, and this has affected its interest in listing terms.”
Comments have already been received including from West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning department, which is “strongly opposed” to the plans.
According to a HES report, the local authority say the building is a good example of a late 18th century/early 19th century classical/Palladian mansion.
Planners add that, although modified, it largely retains its original appearance and character and is “valued by the local community”.
Councillor David McBride has previously said he would be “appalled” if any change to the listed status of the building was made.
He said: “While the hotel has struggled in terms of trade in recent years, the building must be protected for future use and I am convinced there is a successful future ahead with the right level of investment and hospitality expertise.
“It has been the venue that many Dumbarton residents have marked all sorts of celebrations, particularly weddings, my own included over 30 years ago. It would be a dreadful lost opportunity to Dumbarton in the future.”
Dumbarton East and Central Community Council has also lodged concern that if the building is de-listed, it will not be able to give feedback at the planning committee, according to the report.
Three individuals have also responded to note their objection, commenting that the building is a landmark in the area and part of Dumbarton’s heritage.
Devilla Property Services lodged plans in 2021 for the hotel to be turned into holiday let accommodation with hot tubs but the application was later withdrawn.
And last year, the firm applied for planning permission for a change of use from hotel to form six flatted dwellings and associated alterations. There was also a listed building consent bid to demolish a flat roof side extension and retrospective permission for the erection of extensions to the existing building for the flats. In response to that, council chiefs said they were “seriously concerned about the visual impact” of an extension built at the hotel and at the time warned that enforcement action would be taken if further work took place.
Anyone wishing to view the HES report and make comments can do so by visiting http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/decision/500003621.
