A landmark Perth building could be demolished despite previous concerns from a heritage watchdog.
The Courier can reveal that a decision on whether to approve a plan lodged by businesswoman and philanthropist Ann Gloag to tear down the Waverley Hotel now rests purely in the hands of local council leaders.
Historic Environment Scotland (formerly Historic Scotland) has stated “there is no further requirement” to involve them in the proposal.
Ms Gloag wishes to raze the former hotel and build a multi-use hall and gym, while also extending the adjacent Trinity Church of the Nazarene on Glasgow Road.
It is understood some of the space would be utilised as an area to help people with alcohol and drug problems.
Although HES did not officially object to the demolition plan, they made it known they did not approve, claiming retention of the villas was “desirable” due to their contribution to the character of the conservation area.
In their submission, lodged this week with the council, Simon Montgomery, senior heritage management officer with HES, states that if the council “is minded” to grant consent to Ms Gloag’s plan, it must notify Scottish Ministers.
The cost of clearing the site and its redevelopment is estimated at between £2m and £2.4m.
A spokesman for Ann Gloag welcomed the fact that the outcome of the demolition plan could be decided soon after years of wrangling.
“There is too much evidence in Perth of Historic Environment Scotland blocking progress and the city needs to be allowed to move forward,” she said.
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: “In its current state the former Waverley Hotel has become an eyesore. We can’t have the city being held back by statutory organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland campaigning for it to remain in its current state.”
A spokesman for Historic Environment Scotland said: “As a statutory consultee our role in the process is, and always has been, to provide our advice to Perth and Kinross Council, who then determine the application.
“We have advised the council that they should be clear on whether they have now obtained sufficient information to fully appraise the application for demolition. We wrote to the council to explain this, and highlighted a number of issues which they may wish to consider before coming to a decision.”