A LOCAL heritage watchdog insists it retains the “strongest objections” to revised plans for Kinross Town Hall.
Dunfermline-based Town Hall Developments has applied to convert the B-listed hall into shop and office accommodation and to build a block of eight flats on adjacent waste ground.
The developers failed in a previous bid to push ahead with their scheme just five months ago but remain committed to it.
But their tweaked plans have met with disapproval from Kinross-shire Civic Trust.
In an objection letter, its office bearers state: “The civic trust continues to make the strongest objections to the proposals for this development as it continues to pay lip service to the protection and development of the town hall and other related buildings.
“In the conditions of any consent, the first action must be to restore the structural integrity of the existing buildings and not wait until after the construction of the new buildings behind.
“The town hall itself would be much better converted into residences as shop fronts would not be sympathetic to the design of the building.
“These buildings are listed and in a conservation area, therefore they require detail as to the intentions and not left to a vague statement as to what will happen to them in the future, which is absolutely no guarantee that anything will happen at all.The first priority must be the preservationof the buildings and then their proper development.”
The hall and its associated buildings have been a festering sore on the town’s high street since it fell into disuse and was closed.
Despite the fact the hall, library, clock tower and post office form the civic centre of Kinross burgh and are a striking feature of the town’s streetscape, they are no longer needed.
The council has attempted to keep them wind and watertight during protracted negotiations over their future but it is believed that, despite its best efforts, there is significant damage inside.
Town Hall Developments, which has bought the complex subject to planning permission being granted, said its reuse proposals would preserve what is best about the B-listed site.
Its planning document states: “It is clear that positive action is required in order to return Kinross Town Hall to productive use.
“It is also clear that there is underlying policy support for this and for the positive reuse of vacant land within the heart of communities.
“The sustainability case for both parts of the development, individually and together, is therefore clear.
“The provision of housing to meet a niche market in a highly accessible location also fully complies with underlying policy related to meeting housing need and assisting the local economy,” the document goes on.
It adds: “The quality and relationship of the proposed new build to the listed building are complementary and fully retain the character and setting of the buildings to an appropriate level.
“Indeed, the removal of the unsightly rear extension itself is a positive outcome for the listed structures.”
The previous application was turned down because it “fails to provide a sympathetic scheme for the restoration and reuse of the listed buildings and an enhancement scheme for the public space in front of the buildings.”
Town Hall Developments say: “The concerns underpinning the earlier refusal of planning permission have been addressed,
“On a cautionary note, it is clear that a significant level of investment is required to stem the present decline of the town hall.
“Failure to address this in early course will further undermine the potential for the future productive reuse of the buildings.”
Historic Scotland said it has no objections to the application, which will come before committee later this year.
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk