HELENSBURGH’S Ardencaple Tower could be set for renovation work under proposals submitted to council officers.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has applied to Argyll and Bute Council for listed building consent for the tower on West King Street.
A statement has said that there will be “little to no impact” on the tower’s existing appearance, but there will be repairs to the stonework, doors and roof.
Council planning officers are expected to rule on the application by late February, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
Planning agents Convery Prenty Shields Architects said in a supporting statement: “Recent condition inspections of the B-listed Ardencaple Tower in Helensburgh have identified numerous building fabric defects and ongoing maintenance issues.
“Most of these repair items will require like-for-like replacement or a close alternative replacement. Given the B-listed building status we anticipate that many of the proposed repairs will need to be included within the listed building consent application.
“This listed building consent application does not contain proposals to materially modify the existing tower. Where alternative materials are proposed (e.g. due to inability to obtain or use original/traditional like-for-like), this has been highlighted.
“We propose on behalf of our client to carry out repairs and improve the general condition of the building. These works are important to ensure that the listed building is maintained to preservation of the historic fabric.
“As a broad summary of repairs, we propose to generally re-point all random course and ashlar stonework, repair spalling stonework, indent new stonework where necessary, replace roof coverings and repair/redecorate main entrance doors.”
The statement added: “The proposals comprise repair/replacement works with little to no impact to the existing appearance, building fabric or context of the grade B listed building. The repair proposals to the external fabric are to be carried out in line with best practice.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal and use the reference number 24/02324/LIB.
