A fresh plan that could transform a rundown former Perth hotel still favours its demolition, it has been revealed.
The Waverley Hotel in York Place could be razed to the ground if Perth businesswoman and philanthropist Ann Gloag’s proposal to turn it into a multi-use hall and gym adjoined to the neighbouring Trinity Church of the Nazarene is approved.
A previous planning application was withdrawn by Ms Gloag due to “technical issues”, but the newly lodged one is still pursuing the demolition of the former hotel.
It suggests that if this proposal doesn’t get the green light it may lead to the Trinity Church of the Nazarene being forced to move and thus leave the whole area being “abandoned for the foreseeable future”.
The building suffered a fire in November with a prominent hole now clearly seen in its roof. Two youths were arrested and charged with regard to the alleged offence and have still to be sentenced.
A supporting statement lodged in the new application by Bonhard Leasing and Trinity Church of the Nazarene it suggests that the listed-building consent for demolition of the buildings “should be considered in line” with the relevant planning policies.
It states: “As part of the previous planning and listed-building applications, evidence has been supplied to support the case for demolition in line with the relevant policies.
“Given the planning history, this has been a lengthy process over four years to date and the applicant has been accommodating and has engaged with Perth and Kinross Council to try and achieve a viable solution for the site.”
The supporting statement adds that “numerous options” have been prepared and appraised.
“However, due to the fact that the church is unable to expand to achieve the required accommodation, it would certainly have to relocate, which places this prominent site in jeopardy of being left and abandoned for the foreseeable future,” it states.
“The applicant is keen that the viability of the existing vibrant church activity isn’t threatened, and is aware that there are no obvious alternative sites for such an activity.
“In fact, there are few areas in the city which would accept some of the existing rehabilitation activity the church is committed to providing.
“In order to ensure that the church building is protected and that the valuable activity of the church can grow and help to provide a vibrant active addition to the community, it is essential that the listed building consent to demolish the Waverley Hotel be approved.”
The statement adds: “Fundamentally this proposal makes good common sense and removes an unattractive and unviable eyesore.”
“The proposal creates a new vibrant centre for the church and the community in general and in addition allows for the ongoing protection and improvement of the listed church.
Historic Scotland, now known as Historic Environment Scotland, previously stated that they had told the local authority they felt the buildings at the site should be saved, if possible.