Plans to demolish a “historic” summerhouse in Aberdeenshire have been given the green light, despite numerous objections from local residents.
The C-listed structure is situated in the garden of the derelict Bridgend Farm buildings opposite the site for the new railway station in Kintore and on the ‘at risk’ register of national buildings.
But councillors at the Garioch area committee have decided the dilapidated structure was “past rescue” and agreed that owners Monarch Developments should be allowed to knock it down.
Speaking on behalf of the Kintore community, Paul Davison gave an impassioned plea to save the structure and suggested it could be saved and even moved and re-built elsewhere.
Last night, he added: “I’m still reeling from the decision, but having thought about it, I think we should still look at re-locating the summerhouse before it falls too far into disrepair.
“It has some historic value for the village as it was in the garden of the old Bridge Ale house.”
“The summerhouse is an interesting structure, and is a little spot of beauty in our part of Kintore that has stood out for as long as I have lived here.”
Aberdeenshire planning officer Matthew Watt confirmed that owners, Monarch Developments, had offered to dismantle the summerhouse and take it away.
He added: “They are more than willing to give it to whoever wants it.”
One option being considered by the community is to rebuild the amenity on the platform of the new Kintore railway station when it re-opens, but Mr Davison said: “That’s one option, but I think we would need some good craftsmen to help rebuild it, because it is in quite a bad state of repair.”
Councillor Martin Ford said he thought, after looking at the photos of the summerhouse, that it was “past rescue” and concluded “demolition is probably the only thing left for it.”
Nine objections were received against the demolition, including one from Moira Moran, from Thainstone.
She said: “It would be a crime to demolish a building which has been a key sight at the entrance to Kintore for as long as most people can remember.”