More protection on its way for Grantown's historic conservation area

A management plan for Grantown's historic conservation area is expected to be backed by local Highland councillors early next week.

Members of the council's Badenoch and Strathspey area committee are being asked to approve the next stage in the adoption of the blueprint which covers a range of issues such as the state of the High Street, building alterations, renewable energy and car parking.

They will consider a report which summarises the public response to the consultation for the proposed Grantown-on-Spey Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP).

If approved at the meeting on Monday in Grantown, it will then be sent to the council's economy and infrastructure committee for formal approval.

The council organised a public consultation which was held at the town's community centre café on February 15 to allow interested parties and residents to hear more about the management plan, and to discuss any concerns or issues with officers.

The event was attended by 46 individuals and the council said they 'represented a good cross-section of the local community including residents and business owners'.

Sarah James-Gaukroger, Highland Council's Conservation Area Project Officer states in the paper to go before the area committee: "A wide range of matters were covered including adding new information to the report, clarifying how the Conservation Area may affect residents in relation to building alterations, window replacement, energy efficiency, insultation, micro renewables, how the public consultation process works, car parking and the quality of the public realm.

"Overall, the event resulted in extensive feedback, which is summarised in this report.

"In general, the high level of attendance and engagement with residents during the drop-in event meant that many concerns and issues could be successfully dealt with and resolved in person."

Some of the main issues in the Grantown-on-Spey Conservation Area Management Plan

Energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency measures within the conservation area, and what interventions would be supported, was a popular discussion point, especially in light of the energy and cost of living crisis.

There was general acceptance that the measures outlined in the report successfully struck a balance between supporting energy efficiency measures and preserving the character of the conservation area.

However, some respondents felt the language used could have been more positive. In light of feedback, the management plan has been revised to positively highlight the options and opportunities available to improve the energy efficiency of buildings within the conservation area, for example, how and when to successfully incorporate air source heat pumps, double or secondary glazing, solar panels and improved insultation.

High Street

Feedback on the proposed regeneration of the High Street was received, notably relating to the overall appearance, lack of maintenance and repair, together with the implications of vacant units. The management plan details plans for regeneration and the sensitive re-purposing of buildings.

The report sets out the aspiration for the creation of a partnership bid between the council and the community to the recently launched Heritage and Place Programme, a grant scheme run by Historic Environment Scotland.

If successful, the scheme could greatly assist in the regeneration of the High Street and suggestions received that the Grantown Business Association could further assist in the uptake.

Vulnerable buildings

Encouragement for the occupancy of vacant buildings was expressed by some respondents together with the suggestion that the council uses compulsory purchase orders to create social and low-cost housing via buildings such as Gladstone House, the former Grandview Care Home and the BT building.

The council supports the view that vacant buildings should be brought back into active use and wherever possible supports property owners to re-purpose buildings.

Compulsory purchase orders are available to the council but are rarely used and then only in exceptional circumstances and generally only if a back-to-back agreement is in place with a restoring partner.

Maintenance and repair

Routine repair and maintenance was recognised by many respondents as essential in preserving the character and appearance of the conservation area, and fully supported the recommendations in the management plan.

However, concern was also raised that a number of prominent properties were not being actively maintained and appeared neglected resulting in a negative impact on the conservation area.

The council has no power to enforce appropriate levels of repair and maintenance, unless the building is vacant enabling an urgent works notice to be served.

If a successful bid to the Heritage and Place fund can be made this could potentially include a small grants scheme for homeowners which may help address some of the issues highlighted.

The full management plans and the policies proposed can be accessed here and then clicking on item 5.

About the Grantown Conservation Area

The conservation area was designated by the former Moray and Nairn Joint County Council 1975.

A conservation area appraisal was carried out in 2018-19 and was undertaken on behalf of the council as a Grantown 250 legacy project led by The Grantown Society.

Recommendations were made to enlarge the conservation area in several areas, which were adopted by the council with effect from 2019.

This new management plan does not outline any new or additional changes to the conservation area boundary.

---

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.

---