Campaigners fighting to save the remains of the former Territorial Army (TA) Centre in Paisley could land a reprieve after planning chiefs said there is “no clear justification” to back demolition.
Elected members are set to make a decision on JR Construction’s application for listed building consent to knock down the façade at Renfrewshire Council’s planning and climate change policy board on Tuesday.
A petition, launched by retired conservation officer Duncan Macintosh in opposition to the proposal for the B-listed structure in High Street some weeks ago, has already gathered in excess of 1,000 signatures.
Now the ranks of people desperate to preserve a future for the building have landed a major boost after a report by the chief planning officer recommended the owner’s application be refused.
John Wilby, chair of Paisley West and Central Community Council, said: “The online petition’s success in attracting more than a thousand signatories reveals the strength of public feeling about the preservation of this historic building.
“The recommendation to the planning board that the developer’s application to demolish is rejected is a very welcome development.”
The local authority’s planning report, which will be pored over by board members ahead of next week’s special meeting, explained much of the façade retention scheme, made up of scaffolding, has been removed.
As a result, a temporary stop notice was issued on October 14. This was followed by a listed building enforcement notice and stop notice on November 11. The council also demanded the retaining structure be reinstated.
Councillor Mags MacLaren, an SNP representative for Paisley Northwest, said: “It is a disgrace that the developers who own what is left of an important historic building in Paisley have failed to listen to the enforcement orders issued by the council to reinstate the scaffolding to retain the building.
“I fully support the local community’s efforts to save what is left of the building and I am pleased that the council’s planning officers have recommended a refusal to the developer’s plans to demolish the building.
“I also support the decision to bring forward this special meeting of the planning board as it seems that the developer is ignoring the conditions laid down for retaining the building.
“It’s bad enough when developers from outside Renfrewshire treat our historic buildings and the people of Paisley with contempt but worse when it’s a local firm that is acting in such a manner.”
The former TA Centre was built in the late 19th century to the design of famous Paisley architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie.
Standing between Coats Memorial Church and Paisley Museum, the landmark – described by Mr Macintosh as a “much-loved part of the town centre streetscape” – was damaged by a fire in March 2020.
JR Construction was given the green light to build a six-storey accommodation block – rising to seven at the back – for up to 338 students at the site in October of that year.
However, in a letter submitted with the application for listed building consent last month, agent Iceni Projects said JR Construction had advised demolition was “urgently necessary” for health and safety reasons.
But the council’s planning report found: “There is no clear justification to support the demolition of the listed building. The building is of special architectural and historic interest and appears to be capable of repair.
“There are also no economic reasons sufficient to warrant approval to demolish the listed building.
“It has not been demonstrated that demolition is necessary as a last resort or that there are alternative pertinent grounds for allowing demolition.”
JR Construction, which previously said it was “liaising” with the council on plans for the site, was contacted for comment.
Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here