A HELENSBURGH tourist attraction is set for another step in its renovation process after a proposal to temporarily remove roughcasting was granted planning permission.
The planned work at the Hill House will “enable essential external fabric repairs to be identified and carried out” at the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed house.
A separate application for listed building consent was also approved, with the two bids being made by the National Trust for Scotland.
Argyll and Bute Council planning officers received one expression of support from the public during the planning process across the two applications.
A council officer said in a handling report: “It is noted that the roughcast removal will be carried out by an experienced contractor who understands the significance of the listed building and the importance of taking care to cause no more damage than absolutely essential in carrying out the work.
“It has also been confirmed that the previous removal of the section of roughcast at the north east tower on the grounds of health and safety has demonstrated that generally the roughcast is reasonably easy to remove using hand tools and the same removal methodology will be used when removing the rest of the roughcast.
“It is further noted that some sections of roughcast, most likely at wall heads where more recent repairs have been carried out and the roughcast is strongly bonded to its substrate, may require the use of mechanical tools.
“It is confirmed that this need will be monitored and assessed in each situation to ensure no unnecessary damage or loss of original substrate.”
The officer also said that it was estimated that the roughcast could be replaced during the 2027/28 year.
They added: “These works are considered to be necessary and appropriate in safeguarding the future of this nationally important category A listed building for future generations, the removal methodology is also considered to be acceptable and minimises any potential impacts on the retained building fabric.”
