Hill House Box can stay in place until 2028, say planners

The Hill House has been surrounded by the £3.2 million structure since 2018.

The Box was created to halt the water damage caused to the building almost since its completion in 1903, to allow its owners, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), to investigate and then carry out repair work.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a delay in the restoration work, leading the NTS to apply for the retention of planning permission.

READ MORE: 'Cream cheese architecture': How the Hill House team is planning for building's future

The bid was given the go-ahead this week, with only one representation received from the public in relation to car parking. No material changes are expected on the site.

The Box could now stay in place until 2028 while the NTS continues its work on repairing the water damage caused to the outside and inside of the building.

The Trust's Hill House project manager told the Advertiser earlier this year of the hope that the Box could be gone by 2027 upon completion of the restoration work.

The Hill House surrounded by its Box shortly after it was completed in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

A statement from the National Trust for Scotland, quoted in a handling report by an Argyll and Bute Council official, said: “The intention of the trust was to have completed the work to repair/replace the exterior roughcast and other works to prevent water ingress to the house by the end of the original five-year temporary permission for the box.

“However, the effects of the pandemic on construction projects AND the slow pace of drying out of the core walls has meant that we are only now able to move forward.”

Historic Environment Scotland added: “While the temporary structure has a significant impact on the setting of the house, we accept that the proposed extension of planning permission is required to allow for further remedial works.

"The temporary impacts on the house are therefore justified.”

The Box has become a significant visitor attraction in its own right, and was was nominated in the 2020 RIAS Awards as one of the best new buildings in Scotland.

READ MORE: Hill House 'Box' nominated for top Scottish architecture award (from 2020)

A council planning officer said: “While the temporary structure has a significant impact on the setting of the house, we accept that the proposed extension of planning permission is required to allow for further remedial works. The temporary impacts on the house are therefore justified.

“Based on the above, the proposal to retain the box for a further five years is considered to be a minor departure from policy, however significant weight is placed upon the temporary nature of the development and the need to facilitate the restoration of the Hill House.

“Taking these material considerations into account, the proposal is considered acceptable on the basis that they are required to enable essential repair work to [keep] Hill House a nationally important category A listed building.”