Renfrewshire Council has been accused of wasting money and ignoring national planning policies as it tries for a second time to demolish part of Kelvin House.
The local authority is seeking planning permission to knock down the two-storey tower building and bridge link, which form the southern portion of the C-listed structure in Marshall’s Lane.
It states the demolition would aid investigations into how the facade of the James Steel Maitland-designed building could be retained. But campaigner Duncan Macintosh says the work is both unnecessary and in contravention of Scottish Government planning policy.
The retired conservation officer told the Paisley Daily Express: “The demolition of the tower and bridge to the left of the facade is not necessary for such the assessment, and there is a danger that it could destabilise the 1850’s building onto which the facade is attached.
“So, not only is it a waste of money but it could damage the very thing they are trying to keep.
“If council funds are available for demolition, and tidying up the cleared area, they would be better used for a detailed survey of the facade. This would help to design the new building to be constructed behind and supporting it.”
He added: “There should be no demolition without an acceptable proposal for the redevelopment of the site, according to Scottish Government guidance.”
The latest planning application comes months after a decision on the future of the property was delayed by elected members, who were not impressed with previous proposals to raze the building to the ground entirely.
Officers had suggested demolishing the building would pave the way for developers Nixon Blue to build riverside flats on the site while restoring the neighbouring B-listed Forbes Place.
At a meeting of the planning board in January, council staff were instructed to look at how the facade of the building could at the very least be maintained, with possibility of building the flats behind the facade to be explored.
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said the local authority was keen to see the area around Kelvin House and Forbes Place brought back into use.
He said: “Permission for the partial demolition is needed to allow the developers to explore the viability of retaining the Kelvin House façade, and will also give them the certainty they need to submit a fresh planning application.
“In the short term, it would also allow us to improve the general environment in this area. We would also stress Nixon Blue’s proposal for the site includes fully refurbishing and bringing back into use the adjacent B-listed building on the corner with Forbes Place.
“Historic Environment Scotland have made no objection to the demolition of Kelvin House on the basis doing so would be necessary to allow Forbes Place – in their words ‘a building of greater architectural, heritage and cultural heritage’ – to be saved and reused.”
Architect and Nixon Blue director Colin McIntyre said: “We are committed to further investigate the possibilities for development of this site and will work with the council on options following approval of partial demolition.
“Partial demolition of dilapidated sections of Kelvin House would allow for Nixon Blue to progress further detailed plans for consideration to Renfrewshire Council.
“Following any decision by the council, Nixon Blue would look at the outcome and the feasibility of retaining the façade and share any proposals with the local community and elected members in due course.”
It is understood the planning application will go before the planning board in August.
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