Narro, a leading engineering and consultancy firm based in Scotland, is announcing its full support for a SAVE Britain’s Heritage public petition requesting the Scottish Parliament holds an urgent debate on the protection of listed buildings.
The petition aims to address an existing gap in legislation that allows for the demolition of listed buildings under emergency public safety powers, without providing the background evidence to justify that demolition, or to show that viable alternatives have been considered. The petition is also supported by the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland, The Scottish Civic Trust, and Paul Sweeney MSP.
The ongoing demolition of the category B listed Ayr Station Hotel building by South Ayrshire Council is the most recent high-profile example. Following an extensive fire caused by arson in September 2023, the demolition of the structure has progressed using powers under the Dangerous Buildings (Scotland) Act.
Narro agrees with SAVE’s position that public safety is the most important consideration when determining how to manage listed buildings. This petition calls for specific policy controls to be introduced that would complement the existing public safety legislation while, as far as possible, safeguarding important heritage properties. Those controls are:
- Enhanced policy guidance setting out the minimum evidence and processes required by local planning authorities before making decisions on demolition of listed buildings under emergency powers.
- A mandatory policy requirement for local planning authorities to engage conservation-accredited engineers in all cases involving works to listed buildings.
These measures would provide our historic properties with an enhanced level of protection and allow for the full exploration of alternatives to full or partial demolition.
Ben Adam, Narro Managing Director and Conservation Accredited Engineer (CARE) commented; “This is an area that Narro and myself feel particularly passionate about. At the recent CARE conference, held in Glasgow, there was a sense of frustration shared by many of the delegates that we’ve been unable to save some of our best heritage.” He continued, “We feel compelled to act and support this petition to try and amend the regulations and policies so that the option of immediate demolition, unless in the interests of public safety, is closed off without the input of a conservation professional. Conservation Accredited Engineers being involved in the investigation and assessment process would provide added benefit to the local authorities and allow a more consistent and accountable approach.”
Narro has extensive experience in conservation engineering, particularly around buildings that have been considered for immediate demolition. Ben Adam provided input on Ayr Station Hotel in an effort to prevent full demolition, while Dominic Echlin, another Narro director, has been extensively involved in the preservation of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building following both fires.
Dominic commented; “There’s a real opportunity here for organisations across the conservation sector to engage with and work constructively with local and central government, and other stakeholders, to find a better way to preserve and protect our built heritage.”
Narro hopes that through this petition a wider conversation can begin around the future protection of listed buildings and their ongoing maintenance and preservation.
SAVE Britain’s Heritage, is an independent charity set up in 1975 that aims to protect historic buildings across the UK. The charity brings together architects, engineers, planners and investors with the goal of providing viable alternatives to demolition.
