THE main building at the former home of Rothesay Academy is finally set to be demolished – 17 years after the school moved out.

Argyll and Bute Council planning officers have approved the authority’s own application for ‘listed building consent’ to demolish the Academy Road premises, which have lain empty since 2007 and have increasingly become a focus for vandalism and anti-social behaviour since then.

Only a single expression of support was received from the public, with no objections. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) were also reported to have raised no objections.

A delegated report said: “HES have stated that a listed building cannot be replaced when it is gone, and there is a strong presumption in national planning policy for their retention.

“All reasonable efforts must be made to retain a building and a set of clear considerations is given to guide decision makers.

“The updated Gardiner and Theobald feasibility cost estimate 2024 adequately demonstrates that reuse of the building for a wide range of options is not economically viable because reuse would result in a considerable conservation deficit for all options.

“HES also accept that marketing of the building for over a decade has failed to secure a restoring purchaser.

“Planning authorities are expected to treat the comments of HES as a material consideration and this advice should be taken into account in the decision making.

“Their view is that the proposals do not raise historic environment issues of national significance and, therefore, they do not object.

“However, this decision not to object should not be taken as their support for the proposals.

“This application should be determined in accordance with national and local policy on listed building consent, together with related policy guidance.”

The report added: “Etive Consulting were commissioned in 2023 to undertake a non-intrusive survey of the building in order to better understand the current condition of the building.

“The condition survey identified a series of significant defects in the building fabric, including penetrating damp throughout the building, failing roof coverings, failing rainwater goods, and structural defects throughout the building’s external fabric.

“The survey also made reference to the fact that the building was constructed in the mid-20th century and several areas within the structure were identified where poor workmanship had been contributing to the advancement of decay throughout.

“It (the building) has become a magnet for vandalism, fire raising and anti-social behaviour. Both the police and fire services have regularly been involved and are keen for the council to address the situation.

“Adjacent homeowners and occupiers have similarly raised concerns and have noted the poor condition of the property.

“There are health and safety implications and the council’s insurers have raised concerns that there may be a significant risk of injury or even loss of life from parties entering the building illegally.

“Security has been a key concern in light of the above and the council has spent significant sums securing the building with steel plates and appropriate signage.

“However, even this has not proven to be 100 per cent effective with reports of vandals using power tools to remove the panels to obtain access.”