Scotland’s heritage watchdog has criticised plans to bulldoze a landmark Perth church.
Bosses at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), whose predecessors blocked attempts to demolish the city hall and St Paul’s Cathedral, have urged YMCA to rethink its plans for the 130-year-old St Andrew’s and St Stephen’s Church in Atholl Street.
The building is earmarked for demolition, to make way for the charity’s new operations centre and 21 flats.
HES originally objected to the plans when they were first lodged in 2016, but withdrew opposition after learning about the sorry state of the building.
The authority has confirmed it will not formally object to a revised application for crucial listed building consent. However, it goes on to state tearing down the church will mark a “significant loss” for the city.
A spokesman said: “When first consulted on the demolition of these buildings in 2016, Historic Environment Scotland objected to the application on the basis of our view that alternative options for the site had not been fully explored.
“Our objection was withdrawn after meeting with the agents. We withdrew our objection on the basis of further information on marketing of the buildings, the condition of the church and the likely viability of its conversion.”
He added: “Although we do not object to this new application, we maintain the view that demolition of these buildings will be a significant loss to Perth’s historic centre and we continue to encourage the consideration of alternative options.
“Our view is that the proposals do not raise historic environment issues of national significance and therefore we do not object,” said the spokesman. “However, our decision not to object should not be taken as our support for the proposals.”
The project has been backed by local businessman Derek Petterson. He said granting planning consent was an “absolute must”.
“I and others have invested, and will continue to invest, in this area of the city but all the while this building which had met the end of it’s natural life sits as a massive eyesore on one of the busiest streets in Perth,” he said.
Mr Petterson said the project will tie in with the new Creative Exchange building earmarked for the nearby St John’s Primary School building.
If approved, the new flats – a mix of one and two bedroom homes – will be run by the Caledonia Housing Association.
Jill McGrath, chief executive of the YMCA in Perth, said: “The new youth centre will be of great benefit to young people, organisations and the local communities of Perth and Kinross, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
