David McKay
A decision on controversial alteration work at an A-listed building as part of the Marischal Square development has been put on hold.
Aberdeen City Council’s planning committee voted against proposals to remove the steps and balustrade at Provost Skene’s House by 8-5, but the application will be referred to full council for a final decision.
Committee convener Ramsay Milne successfully moved for the matter to be decided by all 43 elected members on December 17.
The company behind the £107million project is seeking listed building consent for the work, which also involves the re-positioning of a stone archway.
However, the application has prompted a wave of protest from members of the public.
More than 90 letters were submitted raising concerns about the impact on Provost Skene’s House, regarded as one of the city’s historic and architectural jewels.
The Marischal Square office, retail and hotel scheme from Muse Developments Ltd was approved last month.
A report to the planning development management committee said the archway was originally from a now demolished building on Guestrow.
It was moved to Union Terrace Gardens then again to Provost Skene’s House in the 1930s.
SNP councillor Bill Cormie said he had received representations suggesting that the courtyard area in front of the archway was an original feature of the house, which dates back to the 16th century.
Mr Cormie asked if the council had any proof that it was not.
Planning officer Gavin Evans said the courtyard area could be an original feature, but he did not think the removal of slabs would be damaging to the status of the building.
He said: “What we are saying is, whether or not these paving flags are original, they are not central to the historic interest in the building, which is largely to do with its architecture and its interior.”
Councillors were also told that disabled access would be improved as a result of the changes.
Convener Mr Milne said the plans should be approved.
He said: “Provost Skene’s House Will fit in much better than it ever did with St Nicholas House.
“It is a building which has survived for a very long time, and we all want it to continue to survive, but we want it to continue to survive in an environment that will be full of people and have people looking at it.”
Some councillors responded angrily to the proposals.
Conservative Ross Thomson said the application would “butcher” Provost Skene’s House, and predicted an “outcry” from the general public.
SNP councillor John Corall argued the whole planning process for Marischal Square development had been handled badly.
He said: “I really don’t know where this development is going, but it is not what the public wanted.”
Liberal Democrat Jennifer Stewart moved for refusal. She said councillors were “stewards” of the city and should “nurture” its heritage.
She added: “We should look after our old buildings.
“This does not need to be moved, there can be another way, and we should tell Muse to go back to the drawing board.”
Deputy council leader Marie Boulton criticised other members for “grandstanding” and said many of the concerns were not relevant to the application before the committee.
After the 8-5 vote, Mr Milne moved for the plans to go to full council in December, and won enough backing – a third of the committee – to do so.
It is understood the decision will not cause any delays to work commencing on the Marischal Square project, which is due for completion in 2017.