Support SAVE Britain’s Heritage Petition to Protect Scottish Listed Buildings

Support SAVE Britain’s Heritage Petition to Protect Scottish Listed Buildings

Urgent Need for Policy Reform

Validated on 6th June 2024, SAVE’s petition highlights a critical gap in the current legislation that allows local councils to demolish listed buildings under emergency public safety powers without presenting adequate evidence to justify their actions. This issue has been brought into sharp focus by the ongoing controversial demolition of the Category B listed Ayr Station Hotel by South Ayrshire Council. The demolition decision, prompted by safety concerns following a major arson attack, was made without publicly sharing the necessary reports or surveys and without demonstrating that alternatives to total demolition were thoroughly explored.

Call for Robust and Transparent Procedures

While recognising the importance of ensuring public safety, the AHSS agrees with SAVE that enhanced policy guidance is essential. This guidance should detail the minimum structural evidence and procedures required before any demolition works on listed buildings are undertaken. Such measures would ensure that demolition is limited to what is absolutely necessary to make the building safe, thereby preventing unnecessary loss of Scotland’s architectural heritage.

Key Policy Recommendations

SAVE’s petition calls for the following critical policy controls:

• Enhanced policy guidance: Clearly outline the minimum evidence and processes local planning authorities must follow before deciding on the demolition of listed buildings under emergency powers.
• Mandatory engagement of conservation-accredited engineers: Ensure that local planning authorities consult qualified conservation engineers in all cases involving works to listed buildings.

Jocelyn Cunliffe, Acting Chair of the AHSS, states, “The AHSS supports SAVE’s petition to the Scottish Government to provide enhanced safeguards for listed buildings across Scotland. Local authorities are empowered to act promptly to save listed buildings, and it is imperative that all options be considered and that there are adequate checks and balances before demolition (which should be a last resort) takes place.”

Take Action

We urge our members and the public to support SAVE’s petition by adding their signatures online.

The AHSS remains committed to advocating for the preservation and celebration of Scotland’s rich architectural heritage and will continue to support initiatives that aim to protect our historic buildings from unnecessary demolition.

Think our work is important? You can support the Society’s campaigning work today by becoming a member or donating.

 

 

 

 

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